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THE PASTOR'S WIFE; 



OR, 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. 8.4... t 




1 1 



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"a prudent wife is from the lord."— P?'o^;. xviii. 22. 






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ct NEW YORK 



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LITTLE, RENNIE & CO., 

430 BROOME STREET. 

1867. 

V 






Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1867, 

By LITTLE, EENNIE & CO., 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the- Southern District of 
New York. 



TO THE BELOVED 

COIGREGATION OF TEOITY CHURCH, 

APALAGHICOLA, FLOKIDA^ 

WHO HAYE SYMPATHIZED WITH HEM IN AI^MCTION;, 

THIS IxtTTIiE YDLmiE IS DEDICATED, 

m THE SEVENTEENTH YEAE ©P HIS EECTOESHn% 

BY 

THE AUTHOR 



\ 



PEEFAOE. 



The object of this little volume is to effect 
tlie dying wish of a tender mother — to be ke- 

MEMBEBED BY HER CHILDREN. 

It is written especially for them, — ^to rescue 
from oblivion many incidents connected with 
her memory, and calculated to impress their 
minds. Hence its style and peculiarities. It 
has been thought that something in print, in 
the form of a book, would make an impression 
and be preserved ; whereas a manuscript would 
be apt to be lost and forgotten. 

1* 



OOE'TEE'TS. 



CHAPTER I. 



PAGE 

Parentage— Birth— Incidents of Childhood— Early In- 
struction—Death of Father— Eemoval to Philadel- 
phia—Early Eeligious Influences— Completion of 
Education— St. Philip's Church— Its Acceptable 
Pastor— Miss Claxton B.'s Class— E.'s Baptism- 
Large Confirmation, when she Ratifies her Yow— 
Her Devoted Spirit— Teaches in Sunday-school- 
Death of Mother IS 



CHAPTER II. 

Eeturn to New York— St. Thomas' Church— Teaches 
in Sunday-school— Removal to the South— Yiolet 
Home— Society— Energetic Disposition— Amusmg 
Incident "^"^ 



CHAPTER HI. 

Marriage— New Residence— Change of Life— Sickness 
of her Brother— His Baptism— Summer spent in 



O CONTENTS. 

PAG» 

Columbus — Death of John Morton — Return to Ap- 
alachicola — Her Usefulness — The First-born — 
Years 1855 and 1856 — Visitation of Bishop — Bap-, 
tism of little John — Confinnation 83 

CHAPTER IV. 

Climate — Travel to New York — Reception by Rela- 
tives — Little John — Retum to Columbus — Birth of 
William Lawrence — Reach home — 1857, Enlarge- 
ment of Parsonage — ^Yisit of Aunt S 43 



CHAPTER V. 

Business of Apalachicola — ^Desertion of Place in Sum- 
mer — Domestic Happiness — Gale of 1857 50 



CHAPTER VI. 

1858 — Walter Burns bom — Scotch Character — Bishop's 
Visitation — Hospitalities of Parsonage — House- 
wifery — Benevolence of Disposition — Quiet Sum- 
mer 57 



CHAPTER VII. 

1859 — Prosperous Times — Bishop's Visitation — Con- 
finnation — Walter Burns Baptized — Plans for En- 
largement of Church — Travel and Sojourn at 



CONTENTS. y 

PAGE 

Abingdon, Virginia — Illness of Mrs. S Re- 

' covery and return Home 64 

CHAPTER VIII. 

A Grood "Wife from the Lord — Visit of Bishop — Con- 
firmation — Summer of 1860 — Birth of Robert Dun- 
can — The Believer's Family 72 

CHAPTER IX. 

A Missionary Spirit cultivated — Mrs. S 's Tact — 

Robert Duncan Baptized — Beautiful Behavior — 
Measles among Children — Robert Duncan Sick — 
Death — Funeral — Parsonage in Mom-ning 78 

CH'APTER X. 

Leave Appalachicola and reach Marietta — Comfortable 
Quarters — Description of Place — Exercise and fine 

Air — Improvement in Health — Mr. S , leaving 

his Family at Marietta, goes down to Florida, and 
returns next Summer — Birth of Jenny — ^Baptism — 
Leave for and arrive in Columbus 86 

CHAPTER XI 

Uncertainty about Disease — ^Mrs. S has a trouble- 
some Affection — Mr. S leaves for Marianna — 

Mrs. S 's Letters — Skill in Writing — Teaches 

the Childi-en — Extracts from her Letters 93 



10 CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XII. 

PAGE 

Further Extracts — Suspicious Silence about her own 
Health — Uneasiness — Painful Discovery — Hasty 
return to Columbus 102 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Mrs. S 's Condition — ^Homoeopathic Physician called 

in — Housekeeping— Well Situated — ^Daily Habits 
— Company — Attention of Friends — Gradual De- 
clme 108 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Fondness for Beading — Wishes about Children — En- 
ergy of Will — ^Kides — Books read to her — Indus- 
try — Favorite Beading 119 

• 

CHAPTER XV. 

Weakness — Wish to be remembered by Children — Af- 
fecting Incidents — ^Fallacious Improvement — Ten- 
derness of Conscience — Fluctuations of Feeling. . 126 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Makes Gifts to Children — Private Communion — Excel- 
lence of the Office — Comfort from it 133 



CONTENTS. 11 

CHAPTER XVIL 

PAGE 

Our Despondency— Daily Condition and Incidents — 
Regular Service on Sunday, and her great Com- 
fort 139 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Worse — Inquiiies about the Sick — Much Inflamma- 
tion — Suffering — Sad closing Scene 152 

CHAPTER XIX 

Fimeral — Sermon at Chm-ch — Epitaph 160 

CHAPTER XX, 

Description of Person and Character — Soon followed 
by many Friends — Glorious Thought 164 

CHAPTER XXI. 
Address to her Childi*en 173 



APPEITDIX. 



PAGB 



My Darlin' Jean 179 

Violet Home '. 181 

Bridal Annivei-sary 183 

Song on John 186 

Account of the Martyr, Lawrence Saunders 189 

"Why am I Sick?" 192 

On Friendship 196 

To Eliza M 197 

To the Same 198 



THE PASTOR'S WIFE; 

OK, 

MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 




Qj] 



CHAPTEE I. 

HE subject of these memoirs was of 
Scotch descent by both parents. Her 
father, "Walter Morton, born in the an- 
cient borough of Ayr, was educated by an 
uncle, who taught an academy of high reputa- 
tion, where the sons of the neighboring gentry 
were prepared for the University. In this in- 
stitution he acquired that mercantile training 
which was so useful to him in after-life. His 
family was highly respectable, and the associa- 
tions under which he was brought up of the 
best description. 

3 



14 THE pastor's wife ; OR, 

Among the companions of his yonth was 
Robert Burns, who subsequently acquired so 
great fame as a writer. Nearly related, and of 
a like genial temperament, they often wandered 
together over those scenes which have since 
been immortalized by the genius of the poet. 
It is in truth a lovely spot, and its inhabitants 
merit the encomium given in Tam O'Shanter : 

" Auld Ayr, wham ne'er a town surpasses 
For honest men and bonny lasses." 

But Morton, when quite a young man, deter- 
mined to seek his fortune in America, and so 
parted from his literary friend and relative, 
whose early pieces were often submitted in 
manuscript to his criticisms, and in whose 
rising reputation he felt a deep interest and 
pride. 

The city of New York was at that time the 
centre of attraction for enterprise and talent, 

and "Walter Morton arrived there in , and 

soon secured a situation in a commercial firm. 
With a pleasing address and popular manners, 
he gradually collected around him a circle of 
friends and admirers, and had he possessed 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 15 

sufficient capital, could have established him- 
seM in business with fair prospects of success. 
At length he was appointed an officer in the 
customs, and subsequently chosen cashier of a 
banking institution on "Wall-street. 

Mr. Morton was now something over forty 
years of age, and began to realize how dreary 
and uncomfortable the life of an old bachelor 
is, assenting to the scriptural truth, that it is 
"not good for man to be alone." He hence 
entered the arena in good earnest in quest of a 
help-meet, and, influenced in his judgment by 
his early sympathies, :H^ooed, and was so for- 
tunate as to secure the affections of a Caledo- 
nian lassie of like sentiments with himself, but 
many years his junior. On November 23d, 
1808, he married Miss Jane Stayley, who was 
born in Glasgow, Scotland, and came to Ameri- 
ca with her family in . This lady is said, 

by those who have seen her, to have been pos- 
sessed of remarkably classical features; and 
her portrait, by Jarvis, preserved in the family, 
attests the correctness of the description. It 
has a true Scotch countenance, fair complexion, 
with Grecian nose and auburn hair. 



16 THE pastoe's wife; or, 

From this union sprung ten children, of 
whom six lived to maturity. Eliza, the subject 
of these memoirs, was born January 27th, 1824, 
being next to the youngest. Her parents lived 
at the time on GreeuAvich-street, but soon re- 
moved to No. 108 Waverley Place, where they 
resided for nearly ten years. 

She was a very sprightly a3:id good-tempered 
little creature, and, when quite young, was sent 
to an elementary school near by, kept by a 
lady of high respectability, in reduced circum- 
stances, where she showed much aptness in 
mastering the rudiments, learning to read at 
a very early age. "We do not know that there 
is • any advantage in this precocity, but, as an 
incident in her life, it is not amiss to mention 
it. She next attended Mrs. Thomas's school 
for a year or two, when she was enrolled at 
the Seminary conducted by the Miss McClen- 
ninghans, Bleecker-street, which had a high 
reputation. Here the accomplishments were 
added to the solid branches of learning, and 
our subject availed herself of the advantages 
to the utmost. Her attainments in English 
literature and the French language were highly 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 17 

respectable, but she failed in making much 
progress in vocal and instrumental music, and 
could not, after more than a year's trial, be in- 
duced to pursue their study any longer. 

Eliza's father,"^ who had many excellent quali- 
ties and was much respected and beloved, died 
when she was about five years old, leaving his 
family in rather narrow circumstances ; which 
made it necessary that the boys, the oldest of 
whom was now in business, should aid in the 
support of the household. 

In a few years the bereaved widow's health 
became dehcate, and a visit to Philadelphia 
impressed her with the idea that a removal 
thither would be of advantage ; which was ac- 
cordingly done in the year 1840. 

EUza was now quite a young lady, and pro- 
gressing rapidly in her education; which was 
continued and completed at the institution of 
the Miss Smiths, well and favorably known 
throughout the United States. 

We have hitherto spoken solely of her mental, 
but her moral culture had not been neglected. 

* Appendix A. 



18 THE pastob's wife ; OE, 

In the high-schools she attended the morning 
exercises were opened with prayer, and, although 
the Bible was not introduced as a text-book, 
a moral influence was exercised. It was ex- 
pected that the pupils would attend service 
somewhere on Sunday ; and, on each Monday 
morning, questions were asked about the texts 
of the respective sermons heard. 

This is a becoming practice in every seminary 
of learning, and has a salutary effect in regula- 
ting the behavior and preserving the discipKne 
of the school. "Where God and the claims of 
eternity are never introduced in any shape, 
a presumption will arise in the mind of the 
pupil, that her preceptress is indifferent, at the 
least, to religion, and so far will there be ex- 
erted an influence against it, and the sanctions 
of its salutary restraints be weakened. 

Eliza's parents were exemplary in all the 
relations of life, but neither made any external 
profession of rehgion. She was taught by her 
mother to read the word of God, and to respect 
the ordinances of Christianity ; but their saving 
power she had never felt. The hereditary faith 
of the family was Presbyterianism, and in New 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 19 

York, Eliza often attended Dr. Skinner's churcli 
with a pious aunt. "We think what she heard 
there, combined with the impressions received 
at school, first arrested her thoughts and awak- 
ened serious reflection on eternity. Good seeds 
were sown in the virgin soil of her heart by 
these faithful teachings. Residing in the vicinity 
of St. Clement's Church, she would also fre- 
quently form one of its congregation. As yet, 
governed by circumstances as to what place she 
went, there was no denominational preference. 
Soon, however, she was constrained to give that 
matter some attention; for there was also a 
Roman Cathohc influence which bore with some 
power upon her. A branch of the family occu- 
pying a high intellectual and social position, 
and zealous for what they regarded as the right 
way, were of that faith, which they illustrated 
and adorned by every good work. The young 
maiden loved her relatives, who thus presented 
for her contemplation the severities of Puritan- 
ism on the one hand, and the gaudy ritual of 
Catholicity on the other. "While she respected 
their judgments, she could not follow hotli ; and 
so, we think, she took a direction which was 



20 THE pastoe's wife; or, 

pretty mnch. the resultant of tlie two forces which 
impelled her. Adopting a happy mean, she 
concluded to seek her salvation in the bosom of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church. In this pref- 
erence she was joined by her sister, and it was 
promoted by securing a pew in St. Bartholo- 
mew's Church, which was at a convenient dis- 
tance. 

The family, removing to Philadelphia, at- 
tended the services at St. Luke's, until the new 
church of St. Philip was erected in the neigh- 
borhood, when they took a pew there. The 
pastor. Dr. Neville, was highly efficient and ac- 
ceptable in his ministrations, and the truth, as 
set forth by him, made a deep impression upon 
the subject of these memoirs, and others of the 
household. They remembered well his intro- 
ductory sermon, " "Who is sufficient for these 
things?" and their hearts were prepared, as 
fallow ground, for the good seed of the Word. 

Eliza became a pupil in the Bible-class con- 
ducted by Miss Claxton. This excellent lady 
was often spoken of in after-life with affec- 
tionate remembrance, as one who by her faith- 
ful instructions had, as an auxiliary of tlie 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 21 

pulpit, prepared the way of many who were 
seeking their salvation. It was evidently thus 
with our subject, whose feelings had for some 
time been moved, so that she could say with 
the Psalmist, " My heart is ready, my heart is 
ready : I will give praise with the best member 
that I have ;" but who required further know- 
ledge, praying that her "mind might be opened 
to understand the Scriptures." The pastor was 
diligent in training the young, and yet there 
was need of the aid of such an instrumentahty 
as the Bible-class. The way now seemed plain 
before her, and she determined, with the grace 
of God, to walk in it, striving to " work out her 
salvation with fear and trembling." Such was 
the spirit of her mind. Having not yet been 
baptized, she received the sacrament of Bap- 
tism with a solemn reahzation of its importance. 
We find this entry in her memorandum-book : 
" Thursday Evening, February 17th, 1842 — Sis- 
ter Jane and I were baptized by the Eev. Ed- 
mund Neville, at St. Philip's Church, Phila. 
' O Lord, henceforth and forever I desire to be 
wholly thine ! O Holy Spirit, grant unto me the 
influences of thy grace to fulfil faithfully this 



22 THE pastoe's wipe; oe, 

solemn, weighty vow and resolution I have 
taken upon myself, trusting in thy gracious 
help.' " 

A few months after she was confirmed. The 
occasion was a remarkable one, as the first in- 
gathering of members into the new parish, and 
also on account of the large number who par- 
took of it. As the venerable ' Bishop Onder- 
donk laid his hands on the head of each one 
of the seventy candidates, saying, " Defend, O 
Lord, this thy servant with thy heavenly grace, 
that she may continue thine forever, and daily 
increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, 
until she come unto thy everlasting kingdom," 
the scene was one of intense interest, and many 
a prayer was silently breathed unto Heaven 
that these persons might prove faithful, and 
receive at last the heavenly inheritance. 

The entry which she makes of it — written 
off-hand — discloses the state of her mind and 
heart. "April 17th. Renewed the vow made 
at Baptism in the rite of Confirmation. Bishop 
Onderdonk presiding, seventy persons confessed 
Christ before men. Eternal and ever-blessed 
God, this day do I, with the utmost solemnity, 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 23 

surrender myseK to Thee. I renounce all for- 
ever, Lord, that have had dominion over me, 
and I consecrate to Thee all that I have, all 
that I am, the faculties of my mind, the mem- 
bers of my body, my time and influence over 
others, to be used entirely for Thy glory, and 
resolutely employed in obedience to Thy com- 
mands, so long as Thou continuest me in life, — • 
with an ardent desire to continue Thine through- 
out the endless ages of eternity ; ever holding 
myself in an attentive posture to observe the 
first intimation of Thy will, and ready to spring 
forward with zeal and ^oy to the immediate ex- 
ecution of it. To Thee I leave the management 
of all events, and say, without reserve, ' Not my 
will, but Thine be done.' Use me, O Lord, I 
beseech Thee, as an instrument of Thy service ; 
number me among Thy pecuUar people ; let me 
be washed in the blood of Thy dear Son ; let 
me be clothed with His righteousness ; let me 
be sanctified by His Spirit ; transform me more 
and more into His image ; impart to me, through 
Him, all needful influences of Thy purifying, 
cheering, comforting Spirit, and let, I beseech 
Thee, my life be spent under those influences, 



24 THE pastor's wife ; OR, 

and in the light of Thy gracious countenance as 
my Father and my God." 

We find she embraced the first opportunity 
to commune, of which she makes this entry : 
" April 27th. We sealed our vows by celebrating 
the dying love of our Blessed Redeemer, in par- 
taking of the emblems of His broken body and 
poured-out blood. ' I am not worthy, O Lord, 
to approach Thy table, but I thank Thee that, 
through the merits of Thy dear Son, I have, 
although an imperfect, unworthy, miserable sin- 
ner, been made a partaker of this means of 
grace. O may it have indeed been humbly re- 
ceived by faith to my soul's health and comfort, 
and indeed preserve my body and soul unto 
everlasting hfe.' " 

The inquiry with her now was that of the 
Apostle, " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?" 
and continued to be during her whole life. This 
excellent self-dedication was not made in vain, 
for she redeemed it faithfully. At once, she 
entered the Sunday-school as a teacher, and as 
long as she was connected with the parish, " she 
did what she could" for its benefit. 

A few more years passed over, and a sad 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 25 

event occurred, wliich had a material influence 
in deciding the future lot of our subject — her 
beloved and excellent mother died suddenly of 
apoplexy, January 23d, 1843. Mrs. Morton 
was a superior woman, well educated, and pos- 
sessed of every domestic virtue. She was bap- 
tized in infancy in the Presbyterian Church, and 
was a candidate for Confirmation at the time of 
her death. She was devoted to her children, 
and had passed her life in retirement, absorbed 
in the cares of her numerous family. Possessed 
of considerable poetical genius, she would often 
indulge in little impromptu effusions, some of 
which her children have retained in memory, 
and which are excellent. She was utterly des- 
titute of ambition, but a few short pieces^ from 
her pen have survived her. Eliza, in recording 
her death, says : " The holy influence and ex- 
ample of such a blessed parent is still felt by 
the offspring, who treasure the remembrance 
of one so inestimable, so heavenly, pure, and 
worthily and incalculably beloved by her own 
kindred, and the object of universal esteem 



'^' Appendix, G. 
3 



26 THE pastor's wife ; aKy 

and affection." Her remains were interred in 
Laurel Hill Cemetery, with this inscription on 
the headstone :^ 

JANE, 

DAUGHTER OF WM. STAYLET,, 
AND RELICT OF WALTER MORTON^ 



April eth, 1790, 

DIED AT PHILADELPHIA^ 

Jan. 2dd, 1843„ 



* The grave is in Section L^. No. 172^ near the monument 
©f Romulus Eiggs. 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 27 



CHAPTER II. 

"^^^I^HE family was broken up, by the death 
ZJ^s) of Mrs. Morton, in the course of the 
Q}m^^ year. EUza returned to New York, 
where her oldest brother was in business, and, 
together with her only sister Jane, boarded at 
the northeast corner of University Place and 
Eighth-street, for nearly two years. They rent- 
ed a pew in St. Thomas' Church, of which Dr. 
Whitehouse was rector, and she became a 
teacher in its extensive Sunday-school. 

Two of her brothers had, for several years, 
been in the Southern States, and at length 
the sisters decided to make that section of 
country their home, and accompanied their 
brother John to Columbus, Georgia, in Novem- 
ber, 1845. 

This removal was an important era in their 
lives, breaking up old associations and intro- 
ducing them to a nev/ theatre of action ; but 
they had no cause for regret in trusting them- 



28 THE pastob's wife; oe, 

selves to tte guidance of a good Providence. 
Those wlio preceded them had been success- 
ful in procuring engagement, either in mer- 
chandising or in the steamboat business ; and 
the sisters were courteously received, and soon 
made their way into society. At length, estab- 
lished in their own plain but comfortable 
residence, " Yiolet Home"^ became known as 
the abode of contentment and the seat of 
hospitality. They formed a delightful circle of 
acquaintances,t and were privileged to number 
among their friends the most inteUigent, vir- 
tuous, and refined of the community. 

Eliza's energetic disposition found engage- 
ment in various benevolent enterprises, in the 
several instrumentalities of usefulness in the 
parish, and she was ever found ready to sub- 
mit to the godly admonitions, and to assist in 
sustaining the wise measures of her pastor. 
During her residence here she formed many 
dear associations, and enjoyed a large share of 
earthly happiness, so that the eight years and 
a few months spent in Columbus was a portion 

* Appendix, B. f Appendix, H and I. 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 29 

of her life to whicli she looked back with very 
pleasant reminiscences. 

The Wynnton was a favorite boat on the 
Chattahoochee Eiver, commanded by the cour- 
teous Captain M . The people of the upper 

country were accustomed to visit the Gulf region 
for pleasure about the close of winter, as then 
the peculiarities of climate were most observable, 
and the Peninsular State appeared to most ad- 
vantage as the land of flowers. Select parties 
were formed for the Bay, to see its novelties ; 
which embraced an excursion of about five 
hundred miles and back. 

It was in the month of March, 1852, that the 
subject of these memoirs and her sister were in 
the number of such a company of young people. 
They passed down the river to Apalachicola ; 
were hospitably entertained ; went to church 
on Sunday ; had a sail on the placid bosom of 
the Bay, with its numerous shipping at anchor ; 
saw the Gulf with its marine wonders, and 
wandered on the islands collecting curious and 
beautiful sea-sheUs. At length, the boat having 
discharged its cotton and received its return 
freight, was under way for home again. 

3^ 



30 THE pastor's wife; or, 

A reyerend gentleman of venerable appear- 
ance was among the passengers, whose ac- 
quaintance they had formed, but of whose 
history little was then known in that section of 
country, which he had seldom visited. He 
courteously approached the ladies, preferring 
their society in the cabin, and accompanying 
them when they walked on the forward-deck. 
His urbanity of manners and interesting con- 
versation, together with the concessions made 
to his profession, secured him a gracious recep- 
tion. Some, too, were members of his church 
at one time. 

Taking a parcel from his pocket, he said : 

" Ladies, I have a valuable present here from 
my friend, Mrs. C ." 

"What is it, Bishop?" 

" Yeast-cakes, Miss ; and I hope to have some 
fine bread, than which nothing is more impor- 
tant to the housekeeper." All were attentive. 
" Only think how a little leaven will leaven the 
whole lump ! So, dear ladies, it is with the Word 
of God, fitly spoken. Divine truth, with the aid 
of the Holy Spirit, is even like this humble yeast- 
cake. A serious impression or sober thought, 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. Bl 

if cultivated, will result in our salvation. ' The 
kingdom of heaven cometh not by observation/ 
but is gradual in its progress : attention, medita- 
tion, prayer, conviction, and holy desires suc- 
ceed esuGh other, as the sacred leaven spreads 
from particle to particle, until the whole heart 
is gained and given up to the Lord. So may it 
be with you." 

All were delighted at the appropriate simile, 
and each felt acquainted with the paternal 
spokesman, enjoyed his company, and admitted 
him to full confidence. 

The time passed pleasantly, as the evening 
and morning succeeded each other. At length, 
the shrill whistle blows, '''"What is that? is 
asked, as the clerk of the boat politely advances 
to inform the Bishop that they are approach- 
ing his landing; and he rises to bid his fair 
friends adieu, as the porter precedes him with 
his baggage. 

"Good-bye, Bishop," says Miss E , in 

return to his warm grasp of the hand — " good 
bye. I hope you will find your family all ivell at 
homey 

*' My family, Mss ?" — as he bows in retiring. 



32 TiiE pastok's wife; ok, 

placing Ms hand to Ms heart — "the Church, 
permit me to inform you, Miss, is my only 
family'' Here was an astounding discovery! 
They had, under a delusion, been cultivating 
intimate relations with the hachelor bishop of the 
Episcopal Church. 

"When he was gone, the laugh went around, 
and no little merriment w^as' created at the 
innocent blunder they had made. " How free 
he must have thought me !" said one. " How in- 
timate I became with him !" said another ; "but 
who would have thought any other than a 
married man would carry yeast-cakes in his 
pocket?" All, however, were assured that he 
meant nothing more than to be social and 
agreeable, and they admitted freely that fJiey 
loved the unsophisticated Bishop, and would 
ever remember the incident of the yeast-cakes, 
with the moral lesson of which he made them 
the theme. 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 33 




CHAPTEE III. 

^N tlie 17th of February, 1854, Eliza was 
united in holy wedlock to the Rector of 
Trinity Church, Apalachicola, Florida. 
The ceremony took place early in the morning, 
in the Episcopal church, and was performed 
by Eev. Benjamin S. Huntington. Carriages 
were in waiting at the door, and the bridal 
party passed down to the landing and embarked 
on board the steamboat Osweechee for the Bay. 
Henceforth we must regard her as assuming 
a more important position, as she enters upon 
those sober duties of life for which she was so 
well fitted. She became the matron of a family, 
and the efficient help-meet of one who was 
laboring in the vineyard of the Lord. In the 
retirement of private hfe there is nothing of a 
striking nature to engage the attention, and we 
can only represent our subject in the exercise 
of those quiet domestic virtues which truly set 
forth the character of a Christian woman in 



34 THE pastor's wife; or, 

her appropriate sphere. With buoyant feelings 
she took possession of her future home, and we 
find this memorandum in her diary : " February 
25th, Saturday : Entered our own home, and 
took tea — the first meal." 

The writer of these memoirs has always 
thought that it is an evidence in the gentler 
sex of an adventurous and self-denying spirit 
to be willing to share the lot of a minister of 
the Gospel, under any circumstances ; for even 
should the situation be eligible, there are trials 
and responsibilities connected with the posi- 
tion which cannot commend it to the ordinary 
mind. 

Our subject, however, from the time she took 
up her cross, had been " in the world without 
being of it ;" and, although of a lively and 
social disposition, was decidedly a sober-minded 
person, impressed with the conviction that she 
had a stewardship to fulfil, of which she must 
render an account to her Lord at His coming. 
She had a true missionary spirit, and, at one 
time, even contemplated offering her services 
to the Church for the foreign field, which noth- 
ing prevented but the opposition of her rela- 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 35 

tiyes. Hence slie felt, no doubt, she was par- 
tially fulfiUing lier original design in becoming 
the partner of a parochial clergyman, and 
looked forward to a field of subordinate use- 
fuhiess. 

The first year of married life is naturally 
entered upon with bright schemes of happiness. 
The mutual troth is plighted and given "for 
better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness 
and in health ;" but the buoyant anticipation of 
the hour is always in favor of prosperity and a 
lengthy union. It is proper that it should be 
so ; and yet it is the mere hallucination of hope. 
But life must be chequered — composed of shade 
as well as sunshine — to fit us for our immortal 
state, of which it is the probation. There is, 
too, more actual enjoyment from this diversity, 
while it improves the heart, by turning the 
thoughts to heavenly things. 

And the chastening hand of our heavenly 
Father was early felt by Ehza. A beloved 
brother, who was in declining health, arrived 
from New Orleans ; and she embraced the op- 
portunity to minister to his wants with deep 
but sad satisfaction, for she had often mourned 



36 THE pastor's wife; OB, 

over lier inability to do anything for him where 
he was. It is true he was more immediately 
under the care of her faithful and devoted 
sister, but she testified in every way her affec- 
tion. He had not been baptized; and, after 
due preparation, the rite was performed at the 
parsonage^ in the presence of chosen witnesses, 
on a Sunday afternoon. 

It was decided to spend the summer in Co- 
lumbus, where it pleased God to remove the 
invalid to a better world. The death of this 
excellent and beloved brother cast a gloom over 
the family ; and his memory was cherished with 
much tenderness. How often would the sisters 
dwell on his virtues! How much pleasure 
would they take in relating the evidences of his 
love ! It was the first death in the family, and 
admonished its members of their mortality. 
When the writer thinks of the intensity of their 
grief, he realizes what a deep fountain of ten- 
derness rests in a woman's heart, which seems 
to discharge in a gushing stream when God is 
pleased to take away the idol of her affection. 

About the last of October, the parsonage at 
Apalachicola was again occupied. The congre- 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 37 

gation at Trinity was gradually filling up, as the 
inhabitants returned to their homes, and the 
pastor gladly welcomed again his people as he 
resumed his labors. In the towns far south, the 
population is much diminished in the summer, 
as many regularly seek a higher latitude, either 
for health or enjoyment. This was especially 
the case in the scene of our narrative ; but, 
while there are advantages connected with a 
change of climate to suit the season, it affects 
disastrously the churches, by making their 
attendance uncertain and fluctuating. "When 
not much more than half the year is passed in 
the parish by many, the minister loses, in a 
measure, the oversight of his flock, and the 
impressions which, by the grace of God, may 
have been made on the hopeful hearer, fade 
away by his lengthy absence from his seat in 
the house of worship where only he is known 
and recognized. 

These were drawbacks to his ministry, of 
which the rector of Trinity was painfully sen- 
sible, although he saw they were unavoidable ; 
but, we suppose, there is no field of labor which 
has not its peculiar difiiculties. At the same 

4 



38 THE pastoe's wife ; OE, 

time he acknowledged, witli gratitude to God, 
the aid his faithful help-meet brought him, in a 
place where the business of a whole year is 

crowded into some seven months. Mrs. S 

had many quahties which fitted her for useful- 
ness, which were gradually developed as occa- 
sions arose for their exercise. Without any 
pretension in her manner, the good influence 
of her intercourse was quietly felt in the parish. 
The incidents of private life are seldom inter- 
esting to the general reader, and yet nothing 
sets forth in so clear a light the character of 
the subject of a memoir, as a description of 
the most homely scenes in which she bore a 
part. The writer has an affectionate remem- 
brance of the zeal of the young wife, visiting 
his parishioners, assisting in every good work, 
and regretting, as she was accustomed to do, 
that she was of so little use. There was evi- 
dently an improvement going on, which re- 
sulted, by and by, in the conversion of many 
souls to the Redeemer. So closed the year 
1854. 

On the 13th of February, 1855, the inmates 
of the parsonage had cause to thank God for 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 39 

the safe arrival among them of a little stranger, 
wlio was named John Morton, from his deceased 
uncle. The joy which this event creates in every 
household admits of no description, while it 
changes the aspect of affairs and opens new 
fountains of enjoyment. Affections, and a sense 
of responsibility, arise in the parents' bosoms 
which were never experienced before. The 
infant son is an heir of immortahty, and prom- 
ises to transmit the paternal name to the next 
generation. It is the centre of attraction, and 
every smile it gives goes to the heart of those 
who bend in admiration over its cradle. But 
while the yearnings of affection are indulged, 
the thought that it has to be educated for 
eternity, as well as time, should create sober 
reflections with the Christian parent. In this 

respect Mrs. S was an exemplary mother, 

for she faithfully trained her family. So soon 
as a child could lisp the words, it was taught a 
little formulary of prayer of the simplest kind, 
and next the catechism. Nowhere else so well 
as on the mother's lap can these early lessons 
be instilled as its faculties expand. 

The years 1855 and 1856 were memorable in 



40 THE pastor's wife; or, 

the history of the parish ; the congregation was 
full, occupying every pew, and a Confirmation, 
larger than in any previous year, was held. 
There was an unusual number of adult bap- 
tisms, and the minister's labors were made more 
efficient from the comforts of a well-regulated 
home, and the assistance of his faithful part- 
ner. Mrs. 8 was not only quahfied to in- 
struct the uninformed^ — to drop the word in 
season — ^to exhort the careless and to encour- 
age the timid — ^but she was fond of her pen, 
and used it for the same purpose. Her visits 
to the sick were characterized by much ten- 
derness, and often her suggestions were useful. 
These unobtrusive and secondary labors were 
productive of more good than will ever be 
known, until that day when the secrets of all 
hearts shall be disclosed. 

The goodly bishop visited the city in 1856, 
and the congregation enjoyed^ the benefit of his 
instructions and godly counsel. He officiated 
on Sunday, April 15th, in Trinity Church, and 
expressed himself well pleased at the condition 
of the parish. It was an occasion to be remem- 
bered, for the solemnity of the services, and the 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 41 

unusual interest which they excited. In the 
morning he baptized several children, — among 
*whom was the Hector's son, — and at night con- 
firmed a large class of candidates. The in- 
crease which the Lord of the harvest was 
pleased to bestow on his humble labors was 
received with a grateful heart, and the year 
recorded as one of the happiest of his life. 

As hinted before, there is nothing attractive 
in a clergyman's life to the weaker sex; but 
true happiness, it should be remembered, is to be 
sought in doing the duty to which God, in his 
providence, has called us, whatever it may be. 
And so, observing the spirit of the subject of 
these memoirs, we could not doubt that, so far, 
she had had superior enjoyment in this life of 
comparative toil, to which she had devoted her- 
self. Her cheerfulness and contentment were 
the best evidences. Ah! how little is known 
by the laity of the share of official burden 
which is necessarily borne indirectly by the 
clergyman's wife ! She fights half the battles, 
by keeping off the anxieties of this world, and 
enabling his attention to be given the more to 
spiritual things. The stranger may often de- 



42 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 

tecfc this individual without other information 
than her appearance: the deep traces of care 
in the countenance point out her who silently 
endures and toils on in hope, with no other 
reward than the gratification of that love which 
induced her to devote her life to this goodly 
work. 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 43 




CHAPTEE IV. 

^HE climate of tlie towns situated on the 
GiiK of Mexico is surely fine, especially 
during tlie fall and winter months. In- 
deed, it is thought by many to equal the boasted 
salubrity of Southern Italy. But the summer 
has a parching heat — reheved by the sea- 
breeze — which has an injurious effect upon the 
health ; and it is beneficial and strengthening 
to the constitution to have the bracing air of 
the North, at least every other season. It was, 
therefore, decided at the parsonage to fall in 
with the general custom ; and the family left in 
June, 1856, and, passing through Columbus, 
arrived in the city of New York. At first, they 
took rooms at a hotel on upper Broadway, but 
su sequently secured piivate accommodations 
at No. — Twenty-third street, not far from 

Madison Square. . Mrs. S had relatives in 

the city, especially an aged aunt, whom she 
loved dearly. The old friends of her parents 



44 THE pastor's wife; or, 

and her associates received her cordially, and 
but for the number in family, she would have 
accepted an invitation to spend the summer at 
the house of a relative. The change of clime, 
with the associations connected with early life, 
had its effect upon her health and spirits, and 
made the time pass away with much enjoy- 
ment. Of a social disposition, she was fond of 
visiting and intellectual amusements, and de- 
lighted to take little John about with her in 
the carriage to show him the wonders of the 
metropolis. He was now at the interesting age 
when he was learning to talk, and tried his best 
to express in words his emotions at the marvel- 
lous sights before him. We remember well — 
standing with him in our arms, in the balcony 
of the hotel on Broadway, where that beautiful 
street was presented, as far as the eye could 
reach, with its animated scenes of men and 
vehicles, rushing along — how he bounded with 
excitement, as he exclaimed : " Papa, horses ! 
horses ! many horses — ^hundred horses !" He 
had a strange habit of scraping the toe of his 
shoe as he walked; which he would do with 
much dexterity, but it gave him many a fall, 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 45 

and lie was broken of it with difficulty. As he 
mingled, in the afternoon, with the children on 
Madison Square, in the broad avenues under 
the trees, he attracted much attention for his 
precocity as the Florida boy. It was with some 
trouble that his daguerreotype was taken at a 
room on Broadway. 

The time passed rapidly and pleasantly, and, 
on the 1st of October, the party, which had 
been increased by the arrival of a brother from 
the South, were on their way to Philadelphia ; 
whence, after remaining awhile to visit their 
mother's grave and see some friends, they pro- 
ceeded by rail to Columbus, Georgia, and took 
quarters at the Broad-street House. Here 
they were among old acquaintances, and felt at 
home. The house, owned and kept by an aged 
widow, has since given place to a capacious 
warehouse, and is memorable as the spot where, 
on the 1st of November, it pleased God to bless 
the family with the gift of a little one, whom a 
kind brother in the ministry, calling on the day 
and learning the interesting event, facetiously 
called " all saints." What its true designation 
should be, was a matter of long debate : at 



46 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 

length it was decided that it should be William 
Lawrence, — the Christian name from its father, 
and the middle from the martyr Lawrence 
Sannders,^ who suffered in the reign of Queen 
Mary. It was thought that he might be an 
ancestor ; and, at all events, it was hoped that 
the association might, in after-life, benefit the 
boy, by exciting him to emulation and endur- 
ance in the cause of virtue and religion. At 
the least, having been born on a sacred day, it 
was not amiss to call him after a veritable 
saint. 

As soon as Mrs. S could proceed, the 

party renewed their journey, and were soon 
again right glad to . breathe the balmy air of 
the far South, and to gaze upon the bosom of 
the great Gulf. The return home was quite as 
much enjoyed as the journey was in anticipa- 
tion before entered upon ; and now, with some 
additions to the wardrobe, a little new furniture 
for the rectory, and, especially, improved health, 
all entered upon their duties with alacrity and 
cheerfulness. There had been a longer vaca- 

* Appendix, E. 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 47 

tion than usual, and much was to be done. 
Life in the parsonage is so closely connected 
with the affairs of the Church, that it should 
create no surprise if these memoirs seem to 
some extent identical with the annals of the 
parish. 

The year 1857, comparatively speaking, was 
a dull one, both as to business and the exten- 
sion of the influences of Christianity; there 
was, however, unusual activity among me- 
chanics, created by the conflagration of last 
year, and the general spirit of improvement 
which was awakened. The parsonage, also, 
was enlarged by the addition of a new building 
connected with the old one, making it very 
comfortable and spacious, reminding one, as a 
wit remarked, of " the house with seven gables." 

Although humble in its architecture, Mrs. 8^= 

had always pronounced it "cozy," a term of 
pecuhar expressiveness. The congregation had 
rather diminished, and several pews presented 
new occupants. The rector had from the be- 
ginning been accustomed, as he entered the 
chancel, to see certain faces, and their disap- 
pearance reminded him of the mutabihty of 



48 THE pastob's wife; or, 

human affairs. The senior warden especially, 
his counsellor in trouble, no longer greeted him, 
having removed with his family to the distant 
land of his nativity. Alas ! how these changes 
sadden the minister's heart ! He has, on such 
occasions, to comfort himself with St. Paul's 
anticipation, as he said: "But what is our 
hope, our joy, and crown of rejoicing ? are not 
?/e, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at 
His coming ?" God grant that there may be 
a joyful meeting in our Father's kingdom of all 
who have knelt at a common altar! But the 
Church militant must change : thank God, the 
Church triumphant cannot. 

There being need of a teacher for the colored 

class in the Sunday-school, Mra. S insisted 

on taking it, and kept it up as long as she could 
attend. Her instructions were efficient, and the 
class became very large, evincing much attach- 
ment to her. The pupils were taught the Creed 
and Commandments, and could repeat hymns, 
and quote Scripture, which was acquired by 
oral instruction. The South has always taken 
an interest in the religious culture of the African 
race, but their peculiar character and love of 



MEMOmS OF E. M. S. 49 

excitement have inclined tliem to prefer other 
instructions than those of the Episcopal Church. 
The servants at the parsonage, who had been 
bred in the family, had been taught to read the 
Bible. • 

During this year the inmates of the parsonage 
had the gratification of a visit from an aged 
aunt, who came via New Orleans. A mother's 
sister should always possess the affection of a 
true heart, and be looked to with veneration as 
the representative of her who is gone. It was 
so in this instance ; and there was sadness in 

the parting, when Mrs. S gave her the last 

kiss, and viewed the boat receding from the 
wharf with her whom she was to see no more 
on earth. 

On the 22d of March, "William Lawrence, 
second son of the Rector, was baptized by his 
father^-Eobert Myers and Ann E. Taylor being 
sponsors. 



50 THE PAS!rOiR'^S WIFE; ©E^ 




CHAPTEE V- 

8 soon as the great staple of the country 
and chief article of commerce has been 
sold, or reduced materi^ly in the ware- 
houseSj a considerable decrease takes place in 
the population, and the hum of business sen- 
sibly subsides. Apalachicola is the third cotton 
port on the Gulf, and, in its best days, ranked 
as the fifth in the Union — ^being really a New 
York in miniature for a few months of the year, 
A number of fine steamboats were constantly 
arriving from the upper country, heavily laden 
with cotton; the Passes were crowded with 
shipping, and a forest of small vessels for load- 
ing them filled the harbor. 

By June, as usual, the business was over, and 
a general breaking up took place ; the factors 
departed, leaving what little remained to their 
clerks or agents ; and, as a consequence, the 
congregation of Trinity was much reduced in 
numbers. The public promenade on the beach 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 51 

was nearly deserted, so that where formerly in 
the eyening you would meet almost every friend, 
scarcely haK a dozen were to be seen. But the 
circle, thus contracted, embraced such as seemed 
more interested in each other, having leisure to 
devote to social intercourse. When the ware- 
houses are closed, the levee deserted, and the 
sun descends with perpendicular ardor, then 
the summer has set in in earnest, and a tedious 
lonehness is realized. It is the time for each 
family to retire within itself and enjoy domestic 
happiness. There are then more moments for 
reflection, reading, ^nd composition, and the 
varied resources of home may be drawn upon. 

Happily, the Kector of Trinity was blessed 
with a- partner in w^hose society there could be 
no languor, as she was ever ready to aid, prompt, 
and encourage him. Sometimes she would pro- 
pose texts for future sermons, and make sugges- 
tions as to the ideas and arrangements, which 
were useful. Often the evening, to a late hour, 
would be spent on the piazza, when the glim- 
mering light of the parsonage would be almost 
the only one in the neighborhood which illumi- 
nated the darkness. Amid the desertion, gloom, 



52 THE pastob's wife; OB, 

and stillness of the scene, the Eector would, 
with his faithful one, walk arm in arm back- 
ward and forward for exercise, and then seated, 
sing, in his plain way, a little song ^ he had 
composed on the birth of his first-born. 

The GuK ports are so near the tropical region, 
that they are subject to pecuhar vicissitudes. 
There are frequent storms, which sometimes 
culminate in a gale, destroying life and prop- 
erty ; and the time when they usually occur is 
looked to with painful apprehension. In 1852 
and 1853 the city was so visited, w^hen much 
damage was done to the stores and churches. 
Both storms took place on the 23d of August, 
which hence was regarded as an ominous day 
in the calendar. * 

Those who have been in a gale, will never 
forget the scene of confusion and consternation. 
The wind increases in violence, until it blows 
a hurricane ; the sea rolls in upon the land, and 
the atmosphere is filled apparently with a driz- 
zling rain, being the spray of the violently 
agitated waves, carried through the air ; while 

^ Appendix, D. 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 53 

persons are often blown down wlio expose 
themselves to its power, and endangered by the 
fragments of every sort which are flying around. 

The summer of 1857 was drawing its tedious 
length along ; and as there had been little rain, 
the air had acquired an uncomfortable dryness, 
which is regarded as a prognostic of a storm. 
The sea-breeze was delightful, blowing often 
hard, and, as August advanced, fears were en- 
tertained of the calamity ; but the ominous day 
passed, and the equinox also, and hope was in- 
dulged that the danger was over. True, the 
weather was rough, with high water in the har- 
bor ; but that was nothing alarming. No period 
is so dreary as the last of September, for then 
the tediousness of the isolation seems to be 
realized in the longing desire for the return of 
the absentees, which the approach of the busi- 
ness season awakens. 

But the deep apathy into which all had 
relapsed, was destined to be dispelled by what 
would arouse them. The wind, which for many 
days had been blowing hard from the east, 
gradually veering around more to the south, 
became violent, and, at high tide, the wharves 

5^ . 



54 THE pastor's wife; oe, 

were submerged. There was evident danger, 
and the goods in the warehouses on Water- 
street were removed to the upper stories, while 
the steamboats and small vessels in harbor were 
•run up the river for safety. Persons were fast- 
ening up their windows and preparing for the 
worst. 

The little company at the parsonage partici- 
pated in these fears, relying truly on a good 
Providence as they used every precaution to 

meet the crisis. Mrs. S was timid, and we 

did not know how she could endure the agita- 
tion. The house being of the cottage order, 
one story with attic, did not present much 
surface in proportion to its length to the wind, 
and there was a fine circular barometer with 
thermometer attached in the hall, for making 
observations. 

At daybreak, on October, the scene on 

the beach was sublime — the Bay boihng with 
agitation, like an immense cauldron, while the 
water was encroaching rapidly on the land. 
The mercury in the barometer was slowly sink- 
ing, showing that the town was coming within 
the vortex of the wind. The church shook so 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. B. 55 

Tiolently, declining from a perpendicular, tliat 
it was deemed unsafe to be in the yestry-room ; 
no domestic duty could be attended to or food 
prepared; and it was perilous to go witliout- 
doors, where the vision was obscured by the 
vast moving masses of sand, with sea-spray, 
which filled the air. 

It was necessary to pass through the storm 
by a skilful use of the means of safety, or to 
be carried away by it ; and so we were Tigilant 
at our posts, as the wind howled with terrific 
fury, apparently about to burst through all 
opposition. While to the windward the win- 
dows and doors were strongly barricaded, to 
the leeward they were opened, and the vacilla- 
tion of the wind watched with the indications 
of the barometer, lest it should (as it does 
sometimes) change suddenly to the opposite 
quarter, when it would do great damage, if 
a corresponding change were not made in the 
defences. It was truly, a trying time of anxiety 
for add but a little to the fury of the elements, 
and no object, the most massive, could rest on 
its base. 

After being kept thus in suspense for hours. 



56 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 

on duty as mucli as seamen in a storm, thank 
God ! a good symptom was observable in the 
barometer, as the mercury first rested, and 
then rose gradually in the tube. It was hailed 
with much joy; and soon there was a decline 
in the wind, which ended in a perfect calm, the 
atmosphere becoming cool and refreshing. As 
the thermometer indicated a reduced tempera- 
ture, we now had leisure to look about us, and 
estimate the damage, which was much less 

than on former occasions. Mrs. S had 

remained quiet and self-possessed during the 
confusion, and we all felt that sort of relief 
which is experienced when a great danger has 
been happily passed through — ^like the mariner 
who escapes a watery grave. 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 57 




CHAPTER VI. 

^HE year 1858 was ushered in with an 
auspicious event ; on the 10th of Jan- 
uary a son was born, who was named 
Walter Burns, — the Christian name from his 
grandfather, and the middle from his relative, 
the Scottish bard. Some disapprove of middle 
names as cumbersome, but they are surely use- 
ful for purposes of discrimination ; and having 
begun with assigning such to the children, it 
was continued through a disposition to dispense 
to all aUke, lest some should, in after-time, cast 
reproach upon their parents for partiality in 
the matter. The trouble, however, in each in- 
stance is, to agree upon one ; which, amid the 
conflicts of opinion in a family, is not easy. 
Care should be taken to make the cognomen 
answer some useful purpose to the one upon 
whom it is bestowed, in the associations con- 
nected with it. 

The writer, in his admiration of Scotch char- 



68 THE pastor's wife; or, 

acter, would call the attention of his children 
to the noble characteristics of a people who 
may boast of some names which history will 
transmit to the latest posterity. Bruce, Wal- 
lace, and others may be presented to the youth- 
ful mind as models of patriotism and true 
greatness. But while either of these would 
have answered the purpose of edification bet- 
ter, there would have been a seeming affecta- 
tion in its adoption; which could not, under 
the circumstances, apply to the one selected. 

Burns' poetry is marked by a vein of origin- 
ahty, and he was, what he professed to be, the 
rustic bard, so true are his delineations of the 
manners and sentiments of the Scottish peas- 
antry. His amatory songs have an inimitable 
tenderness, and his comic pieces possess a humor 
which almost convulses the reader with laugh- 
ter. The objection to his effusions is, that 
they too often are stained with loose and pro- 
fane expressions, which offend against good 
taste, while they corrupt the morals. Had he 
written oftener such pieces as the " Cotter's 
Saturday Night," his works could be more 
safely recommended to the juvenile reader. 



MEMOIHS OF E. M. S. 59 

There was now unusual activity in the parish, 
and the attendance increased, so that it became 
necessary to provide more seats; which was 
done by the subdivision of the double pews. 
In March, the Bishop came, to the joy of all, 
confirming a small class. It is always a nota- 
ble time when the chief pastor makes his ap- 
pearance, especially where the congregation of 
a parish, from its location, seldom see or hear 
any other than their own pastor. The parson- 
age, of course, has its share of privileges on the 
occasion. The friendly counsel and pleasant 
interchange of thought on every topic, gave a 
holiday to the poor Hector, whose heart is made 
glad and his hand^ strengthened by this sym- 
pathetic communication with his superior. 

Some visits also were received this season 
from the Rev. Mr. Hawks, of Columbus,* whose 
dehghtful discourses refreshed us all. There 
is, with one separated from his brethren, a 
yearning for clerical intercourse ; and this ex- 
cellent brother combined in his character rare 
social quahties. The hospitalities of the par- 
sonage, too, were dispensed by a goodly matron 
who could commend its humble entertainment 



60 THE pastoe's wife ; OE, 

by her cordial greeting, clieerful attentions, and 
lively conversation. No one could feel other- 
wise than at home where she moved, gracing 
each kindly office by her pleasing manners. A 
woman's theatre of glory is truly her own house, 
in which, if she superintend and govern well, 
she will show her superiority and adorn her 
station. 

The domestic qualities of Mrs. S were of 

a high order. She was a paragon of industry, 
economy, and good taste, in the arrangement 
of her household affairs. The table which she 
spread had abundance without display, and she 
understood the art of " gathering up the frag- 
ments, so that nothing should be lost" by sinful 
w^aste. In this her skill as a good housewife 
was shown, and her expansive benevolence. It 
was surprising how much she could effect with 
limited means, and how tidy and comfortable 
she could make her family on a moderate in- 
come, and yet have something to dispense in 
charity. 

She was an adept in making pastry, cakes, 
and compounding rare dishes, for which she 
had gathered receipts from all quarters, tran- 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 61 

scribing them from old books and verbal state- 
misnts in a manuscript. Her study, too, was to 
make a superior article in the cheapest way; 
which surely is the test of housewifery. We 
remember an occasion on which she made a 
cake of extraordinary deUcacy from some sim- 
ple materials, and sent round samples of it to 
her neighbors, who had asked instructions in 
the art. The cake was of goodly size, in the 
form of a heart; and one lady, in returning 
thanks, was pleased to perpetrate a pun, wri- 
ting, that " the cake sent showed the goodness of 
her hearty'' — a merited compliment. 

There was certainly nothing that she de- 
lighted so much in as conferring happiness 
upon others, and especially in aiding the de- 
serving poor, or encouraging those of humble 
station. Many incidents might be given, illus- 
trating her benevolence of disposition. If she 
had nothing more, she was ready with a kind 
word or sympathetic look, and always paid 
especial respect to the feelings ot all, without 
distinction. Did a mendicant apply for char- 
ity — a stranger — she would not let her depart 
empty handed, but would even ransack the 



4 




imE: I 



HE^ 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 63 

tained as to healtli, but, through the mercy of 
God, they were groundless. The family were 
blessed with a quiet and delightful time. Dur- 
ing the day, there was a fine sea-breeze blowing 
to mitigate the heat, and occasional showers 
to correct the dryness of the air and prevent 
storms ; while the clear nights possessed a 
pleasant temperature, through the condensa- 
tion which covered the earth with a copious 
dew, and the gaudious firmament invited to 
adoration the most irreverent mind, by its 
splendid display of " the glory of God." 



64 THE pastor's wife ; OE, 



CHAPTEE VII. 

|N 1859 there was a large supply of cotton, 
and the effect was seen in the general 
prosperity. Every branch of business was 
active, and there were more strangers than 
usual in the city. The attendance at Trinity 
quite fiUed up the seats ; and when the Bishop 
came in April, on his round of visitations, he 
found a considerable class ready to receive the 
apostolic rite at his hands. He also baptized 
on the 17th, at the request of the minister, four 
children ; among whom was Walter Burns, the 
Rector's third son. The happiness of the occa- 
sion was somewhat marred by a narrow escape 
from accident. The Bishop, it seems, was la- 
boring under weakness of the left arm, which 
had been injured in a fall, yet thought, as the 
children were young, he could perform the rite ; 
but when he received Walter, he had become 
fatigued (especially as one presented unexpect- 
edly was quite heavy), and his arm relaxed as 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 65 

the last words were uttered, so that the child 
would have fallen against the marble font, but 
that its father (who stood outside, in his sur- 
plice, as sponsor) caught him in his arms at 
the critical moment. 

The pews being all taken, and, for the first 
time in the history of the parish, a demand for 
others existing, various plans of enlarging the 
church were canvassed. Should the future cor- 
respond with the present prospects, it was seen 
that more room would be necessary, and some 
spoke of side-galleries, while others favored 
an extension from tie chancel. The fact is 
thought worthy of mention in this place : alas ! 
those bright anticipations have not yet been 
realized. But we trust the civil commotions 
which by and by scattered the congregation, 
have merely postponed to a later day the en- 
largement of the Lord's House. 

As the summer approached, it was decided 
to travel, and our thoughts were directed to 
Eastern Tennessee, which is an elevated and 

healthy region. Mrs. S had, for some time, 

been suffering from an affection of which it was 
necessary she should be reheved, and a change 



66 THE pastor's wife; or, 

of climate and water was recommended by her 
physician. The household now consisted of 

seven persons, including Miss M- and the 

colored nurse, and formed quite a party of 
themselves. 

"We left the latter part of June for Columbus, 
where we remained a month, on account of 
William's sickness, who had an attack of bil- 
ious fever ; when, passing on by rail, we stop- 
ped a few weeks at Greenville, Tennessee, a 
pleasant village to which our attention had 
been directed. We would have remained here, 
but the writer, having been invited to officiate 
in a parish not far off, thought it better to so- 
journ where he could be usefully employed. 
So we went on to Abingdon, Virginia, where 
we took rooms in Mr. Eodifer's new hotel. 

Abingdon is beautifully situated in a rich roll- 
ing country, within sight of the Alleghany Moun- 
tains, in Southwestern Virginia. The scenery 
is fine, and the society of the best description, 
there being much intelligence and refinement. 
The change of clime and the prospect before 
the eye, had an exhilarating effect upon Mrs. 
S , who was an ardent admirer of nature, 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 07 

and deliglited to take short walks through the 
country with the children, witnessing their gam- 
bols on the green sward, and gathering wild- 
flowers. It is true, she could not at first do this 
here, from the state of her health ; at the most, 
she could only enjoy the landscape from the 
balcony of the hotel, or in occasional rides. 

She was unwell when she arrived from Green- 
ville, which she left too soon, and, when apparent- 
ly better, relapsed again under strange symp- 
toms, which required medical advice. Her former 
physician was skilful in his profession, and the 
one called in here no less so, understanding 
well the peculiar diseases of this section of 
country. As the case developed itself, he pro- 
nounced it typhus fever, to our great alarm. 

For weeks Mrs. S was in bed, and at times 

in a critical condition, requiring constant nur- 
sing. She suffered much pain, and the fea- 
tures of the disease were truly distressing, the 
tongue being very much swollen, and the pa- 
tient troubled with a parching thirst, while 
drinking water only aggravated the symptoms. 

Dr. Barr was assiduous in his attentions, 
coming generally three times a day. We cai: 



68 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 

never forget liim ; — so pleasant in the sick-room, 
and sympathetic in his manner — so gifted in 
his knowledge, and withal firm in his treat- 
ment — ^he inspired all with the conviction that 
he could be confided in, as capable of doing- 
whatever human skill could accomplish. Alas ! 
we were almost in despair, for the strong medi- 
cines given did not have the usual effect upon 
her system, and some were so distasteful that 
her prejudices led her to refuse positively to 
take them more. The doctor had, among other 
things, prescribed spirits of turpentine, and 
when w6 told him of the difficulty in contin- 
uing it, he directed that it should, witlioid fail, 
be given regularly, as it was absolutely neces- 
sary, since without it the case was hopeless. 

We remember well our trouble, when sitting 
up with her on the eventful night, to adminis- 
ter by the watch the hateful prescription. At 
the hour, we took down the vial and commenced 
dropping it on a lump of sugar. " Oh ! I will 
not take it any more— no — do not bring it 
here," she cried frantically ; " I had rather 
die — my vitals are parched up, and it sends a 
fire through my bones — don't bring it here — I 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. G9 

will not take it any longer." We stated the 
doctor's positiye order, its importance, remon- 
strated, and at length begged her not to give 
up hope, but go on one day longer ; and then, 
if it did no good, promised to listen to its dis- 
continuance. She was moved, and acquiesced 
at length in the extension of the trial of the 
medicine only so long, and passively swallowed 
it at intervals during the night. Towards morn- 
ing she fell into a sweet sleep, and oh, what was 
our surprise and joy to hear her say, when she 
awoke, "I feel so refreshed, and and there is 
moisture on my tongue^'' We now had hope, 
knowing that the hated prescription had pro- 
duced the important change, and that the power 
of the disease was being relaxed. 

When she was out of danger, the doctor let 
us know how critical her condition had been, 
saying he had had a large number of such cases 
this season, and had lost several whose symp- 
toms were much less aggravated than hers. 

Mrs. S often afterwards referred to this 

period, expressing her gratitude to her Heaven- 
ly Father for having spared her life, and for 
blessing the means used to restore her ; and, at 



70 THE pastor's wife; or, 

tlie same time, speaking in the most affection- 
ate terms of her physician, who so faithfully 
and disinterestedly attended her. "We were 
willing and ready to remunerate him for his 
valuable services, but he refused to receive any 
thing. 

By degrees Mrs. S gained strength, and 

then she had the satisfaction of some social 
intercourse, and was enabled to see the beau- 
tiful country around. 

John and "William were now growing apace, 
and made no little noise, in despite of our 
efforts to control them, in the hall of the hotel. 
Will, especially, curiously pried into every thing, 
going up to strangers and asking them ques- 
tions. The kind-hearted doctor, on his arrival, 
was usually greeted with some boisterous dem- 
onstration, and, as he took notice of the boys, 
they soon became more familiar than they 
ought. He rode a noble horse, which was the 
object of the children's admiration and our so- 
licitude, lest in their criticisms approaching too 
near, they should receive an unlucky kick ; and 
when, after mounting himself, he hoisted them 
up, one before and the other behind him, and 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 71 

gave tliem a ride, they were frantic with de- 
light, as it was their first- equestrian experience. 
One day, when, after his visit, he was passing 
out to mount his horse, he saw, to his astonish- 
ment, the animal loose Jrom the fastening, and 
"Will by his side, whip in hand, giving him an 
occasional cut, as he cried, "Gee — ^whoa !" 

"What are you doing there?" said the doc- 
tor, somewhat angrily. 

" I want to make the liorsee go," replied the 
precocious youngster, two and a half years old. 

In October the writer attended the General 
Convention, at Richmond, and visited some 

relatives : on his return, Mrs. S was much 

improved in health, and the party, bidding 
farewell to their kind friends in Abingdon, pro- 
ceeded toward home, where they arrived in 
November, thanking God for all His mercies. 



72 THE pastor's wtfe; OB, 




CHAPTEE VIII. 

* 

^HEEE is a charm in the word home, 
where we were glad to be again. It may- 
be truly said of the humblest abode, 
that "contentment with godliness is great gain." 
The domestic virtues, which adorn the female 
character, make that home happy, and are thus 
of inestimable value. In this spirit the sacred 
writer says, " Who findeth a wife findeth a good 
thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord." Un- 
doubtedly, there is no greater blessing than 
a faithful partner, who may be said to be a gift 
from Heaven. Alas ! not every one who marries 
a woman gets a wife in this just sense. Some- 
times the bond becomes odious and a source 
of misery. And yet it is wrong for those who 
are unequally yoked to despair, since either 
may be won by the Christian forbearance and 
exemplary conduct of the other. 

He who has gained the love of a virtuous 
woman, is surely favored of the Lord, and 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 73 

shoiild prize and nourisli her as a divinity, 
who presides over his fortunes. She will en- 
courage him in every noble aim, will sustain 
him in adversity, and help him to enjoy pros- 
perity, — since by her the cares of Ufe will be 
divided and its joys doubled. Such was the 
experience of the writer. Mrs. S pos- 
sessed, as the foundation of her many good 
qualities, " contentment with godliness," and ex- 
perienced their advantages : they were, indeed, 
to her household " great gain." The dispo- 
sition to acquiesce in the allotments of Provi- 
dence, which proceeds from a belief in Chris- 
tianity, and which makes us put a due estimate 
on the «vorld, is invaluable, because, in its 
possession, we feel we have a permanent in- 
heritance in prospective, which trials below 
only prepare us for, since "the things which 
are seen are temporal, but those not seen, 
eternal." And so, too, there is more solid 
satisfaction from what is given us. when used 
with temperance and a grateful heart: "the 
meek shall possess the earth." 

Mrs. S did not crave the riches or go 

after the fashions of the world, since they had 

7 



74 THE pastor's wife; OEy 

no charms for her. She valued nothing so 
much as her children^ which were her jewels, 
upon whom her heart was set^. and to whose 
care and training much of her time was de- 
Yoted. As to herself, she practised a laudable 
self-denial, dressing plainly^ but neatly, and 
avoiding the vanity of display in everything,, on 
principle. It might with the utmost propriety 
be said, that her chief " ornament was a meek 
and quiet spirit." 

And, while true and consistent in her daily 
walk and conversation, she could never be ac- 
cused of any affectation of sanctity. Every 
action testified to the sincerity of her profession, 
so that she was an epistle that could b^ read of 
all, that she had been with Jesus. It was this 
pious disposition, leading to contentment and 
trust in an overruling Providence, which, while 
it profited her in securing her salvation, made 
home happy, and endeared her to all who came 
within her circle. 

Her religion sat easy upon her, beautifying 
her character ; and while her consistency made 
her respected, her enlarged charity gained her 
the love of aU. Devoid of both cant and aus- 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 75 

terity, she kept the fasts, and made much of 
the festivals of the Church. The Prayer-Book 
was revered next to the Bible, and well under- 
stood in every part. Any irregularity or ru- 
brical departure was at once detected by her. 
At the same time, her spirit was eminently 
catholic, for she could not bear to hear any 
talk of High or Low Church, saying, she was 
simply a churchwoman ; and that was designa- 
tion enough. 

But while she was thus decided and consist- 
ent, she was slow in commenting with severity 
upon the characters of others, possessing emi- 
nently that " charity which thinketh no evil." 
Indeed, it might be said of her, that there was 
an abuse of this Christian grace, for it rendered 
her too trustful of others, laying her open to 
unpleasant disappointments in her estimate of 
mankind. She was thus blinded too much to 
their obvious faults. Its correct tendency, 
however, was most happy, for it led to a rare 
freedom from evil-speaking. She never coun- 
tenanced a slander, and it has been remarked 
that she always defended the absent, in the 
goodness of her heart acting as their advocate, 



76 THE pastor's wife; OB, 

by bringing forward whatever could be told in. 
extenuation of their faults. 

These amiable propensities made her beloved 
in her circle, and gained her the respect and 
confidence of every rank. We refer succinctly 
to them here, as naturally suggested when 
mention is made of what makes home attractive 
and happy. A gossip or busybody, an evil- 
minded person, who is always prying into her 
neighbors' affairs, and neglecting her own, 
brings much foreign trouble into a family, to 
add 'to the cares which are inseparably con- 
nected with its responsibihties. 

Our beloved chief pastor arrived in the 
spring, to relieve the monotony of so secluded 
a parish, inspiring us with more animation, and 
reviving our zeal in every good ^^^ork. A small 
number were confirmed. He preached with 
much fervor, in his excellent, practical style, 
and aided the minister, by visiting with him 
from house to house. There was much to 
edify in the Bishop's discourses, which were of 
the plain, solid order, never condescending to 
use ornament, but aiming directly at the judg- 
ment and heart. 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 77 

The STimmer of 1860 was rendered memorable 
by tlie birth, on the 3d of August, of a son, who 
was called Eobert Duncan, — the Christian name 
from a beloved uncle of his father, and the 
middle from Duncan Kennedy, Esq., of New 
York city. A more beautiful little creature 
Was never seen, and he soon became the idol of 
our hearts. Each successive child has a larger 
number to greet it, and this one had a Uttle 
circle of brothers to admire and caress him. 

There were now four little boys, whom their 
affectionate mother compared to ^* steps and 
stairs," so regular was the gradation from one 
to another ; and yet each was unlike his fellows, 
having peculiarities of his own. They were 
mementos, truly, of the flight of time, and 
objects of hopeful anticipation and constant 
prayer. When we beheld them seated at meals 
(with Eobbie, by-and-by, occasionally placed 
on a high chair), we reahzed the beauty and 
justness of the Psalmist's description of the 
believer's ' family — " Thy children, like oUve- 
plants, round about thy table." 

7* 



78 THE pastor's wife ; OR, 




CHAPTEE IX. 

^HE nurture of a missionary spirit in the 
young, is of great importance to the 
vitality and perpetuation of the Gospel. 
The lambs of the flock should not only be bred 
up in the fold of the Church, and be made to 
love it, but they should also be trained to seek 
its extension. On this principle, the children 
of the parsonage were early " told what a solemn 
vow, promise, and profession they had made" 
by their sponsors, when placed in the Holy 
Catholic Church, were instructed in their duty 
to extend its limits, and encouraged to give 
any little money they might have to missions, 
rather than to use it for toys and dehcacies. 
And to lead their minds to the subject, a do- 
nation was annually made to missions under 
each name, and their attention called to its 
acknowledgment in the "spirit of missions." 
When they could severally read, they were 
delighted to look at it in print, felt interested 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. B. 79 

in the subject, and talked of it among tliem- 
selves. Tkeir mother possessed an admirable 
tact in gaining their attention, and communi- 
cating with them in terms suited to their ex- 
panding faculties ; and she imparted much in- 
struction by the habitual inculcation of moral 
lessons from the cradle. She would show them 
any sacred picture about the house, and explain 
the parts ; for instance, to that of the Holy 
Family, where she would point out Jesus in the 
Virgin's lap, with little John the Baptist, only 
six months older, standing by her side, and 
playing with Him. This dehghted them, an i 
they soon acquired some knowledge of Scrip- 
tural characters and incidents. This year, 
1861, there were four httle contributors to 
missions — John, William, Walter, and Robert. 

The weather now was pleasant, and it was 
decided to have Hobert Duncan baptized, which 
rite had been postponed in the hope that the 
Bishop would come. It being understood that 
he could not, the rite had to be performed by 
the father, and due preparations were made. 
So on Sunday, i^pril 14th, he was presented, 
and attracted unusual attention by his fine ap- 



83 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 

pearance and angelic behavior. "WTien placed 
in the minister's arms, lie was so buoyant with 
life, playing with his bands, that it was some- 
what difficult to hold him, and at the applica- 
tion of the consecrated water and signing him 
with the cross, his little features beamed with 
animation and an inquisitiye look, as if asking 
what it all meant. The sacred rite performed, 
he was taken away by the colored nurse, in an 
ecstasy at the music and the novel surround- 
ings. Dear, blessed child ! then placed in the 
kingdom on earth, but fitter by far for that in 
heaven, whither it pleased God so soon to 
remove him ! 

There had been little sickness at the rectory ; 
and the children had been treated with so much 
care by their devoted mother, and so much 
attention had been given to their diet and 
habits, that they were among the heartiest 
about town. An affectionate sister, too, aided 
in these interesting duties. The many diseases 
common to children had thus far been escaped ; 
but now John showed symptoms of the mea- 
sles, and soon WiUiam and Walter took the dis- 
ease successively. The infant was kept away 



MEMOIKS OF E. M. «. 81 

until they were convalescent, when all played, 
together as nsnal. Soon "Walter relapsed, and 
Eobert had a fever, with his bowels much af- 
fected, which was, at first, supposed to arise 

from teething. Dr. C came in, and next 

Dr. S , the family physician, attended. Both 

children were quite sick, but Eobert in some 
danger. We were much alarmed when he had 
a convulsion, but he seemed again much better, 
and we vacillated between hope and fear for 
several days. On the night of the 3d of May, a 
kind parishioner sat up with the child, insisting 
that the family should retire and take their 
much-needed rest ; which they did about one 
o'clock, not supposing there was any immediate 

danger. At about 3 o'clock A. m., Mr. S 

was aroused by its laborious breathing, and go- 
ing in, saw it was evidently dying. Its mother 
and aunt were called, and in a short time, as 
we surrounded it in prayer, its pure spirit 
quietly passed away. 

The distress occasioned by this sad event 
can be appreciated only by those who have lost 
a child for the first time. The yearnings of our 
hearts towards the little creature were intense, 



82 THE pastoe's wife; or, 

and we were for a time inconsolable. Well 
do we remember tlie burst of grief from its 
poor mother, and how it was necessary to con- 
sole her. She was so distressed that it seemed 
advisable to have the funeral late in the even- 
ing, instead of waiting to the next day — so that 
the house might be quiet. The body when laid 
out, surrounded with flowers, and having a small 
Prayer-Book placed in its hand by its mother, 
seemed to be instinct with life, so natural and 
beautiful was its appearance. Alas ! what 
had this innocent done that it should feel the 
blight of the Destroyer ? We must believe that 
it was snatched in mercy by a good God from 
a world of sin and misery, that it might inhabit 
a clime more suited to its innocence and love- 
liness. 

At length, a sympathizing community filled 
the rooms of the parsonage. How appropriate 
and touching were the words of the hymn sung 
on the occasion : 

" As the sweet flower that scents the mom, 
But withers m the rising day, 
So lovely was this infant's dawn — 
Thus swiftly fled its life away. 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 83 

^* It died ere its expanding soul 

Had ever burnt with wrong desires, 
Had ever spurned at Heaven's control. 
Or ever quenched its sacred fires, 

" It died to sin, it died to cares, 
But for a moment felt the rod : 
O mourner, such, the Lord declares. 
Such are the children of our God." 

Tlie coffin was covered with white, edged with 
black, and had a cross of evergreens. It was 
borne by yonng men of the parish, and in the 
commitment to the ground, it was said : " For- 
asmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God, in 
his wise providence, to take out of this world 
the soul of our deceased brother [and son], we 
commit his body to the ground," &c., &c. From 
necessity, the father had to perform the funeral 
rites, which required aU his fortitude. 

This melancholy scene took place on Satur- 
day evening. May 4:th, which was a day of 
mourning never to be forgotten. Our most be- 
loved and promising child was carried to the 
tomb, and we wept as we had never done be- 
fore. We strove, indeed, to acquire a feeling 
of resignation to the Divine will, so as to say, 



84 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 

" The Lord gave and tlie Lord hath, taken away ; 
blessed be the name of the Lord;" but time 
alone, in such cases, can make us acquiesce in 
the Divine will. 

Never was there a more lovely disposition, if 
we can judge from the behavior at so early a 
period. The dear one was just beginning to 
call a few words, as mamma, auntie, and papa, 
and was of a most lively temperament, entering 
into the sports of its brothers around, who al- 
most adored it. So amiable, that it rarely 
cried or was angry, it was interesting to notice 
its calmness when a toy was snatched from 
its hands: it would usually look wishfully for 
its restoration, but without a sign of ill-feeling. 
And so it had gained our love as no other child 
ever did. 

The doctor pronounced the disease cholera 
infantum, but there was some uncertainty about 
it. We thought it probable that it was the 
measles, undeveloped, which had fallen on its 
vitals. Its age was nine months and three 
hours — a span, indeed, and yet a happy one 
while it lasted ; and our consolation was, that 
it became a cherub in heaven. 'Its remains rest 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 85 

in tlie old cemetery, enclosed with a neat rail- 
ing, with simple head and foot pieces, inscribed 
" W. D. S/' Two water-oaks shade the spot, 
and flowers bloom beside its verdant grave. 

On Sunday, May 5th, there were no services 
at Trinity Church, — a very unusual circum- 
stance : the Eector's heart was too sad, and his 
family were in mourning. 

8 



86 THE pastoe's wife ; OR, 




CHAPTEE X. 

^HE liealth. of the family seemed now to 
require a change of dimate, and the 
unsettled political state of the country 
created alarm. It was thought better to seek 
a residence in the interior, during the troubles, 
as we could not tell what might befall the sea- 
port towns. The city had just been evacuated 
by the military, and many deemed it prudent 
to remove temporarily. So we passed up the 
river on the steamboat Jackson, heavily laden 
with goods and furniture, in company with 
many of our parishioners. From Columbus we 
went on to Marietta, Georgia ; and, on July 
24th, secured eligible quarters at a boarding- 
house on the Square. 

In this movement we had made an entire 
change of climate, air, water, and, we may add, 
food, which we hoped would be beneficial to 

Mrs. S , who was thus placed in a position 

where she would be free from the cares of 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 87 

housekeeping, have leisure for recreation, and 
could give more attention to herself. 

Marietta is a pretty town, situated in a roll- 
ing elevated region, and, with its many advan- 
tages of salubrity, accessibihty, moderate rates 
of living, and good hotels, had become a place 
of summer resort to the people of the lower 
country. Many private families, also, opened 
their doors to genteel strangers; and the in- 
ducements as to accommodations, places of 
worship, schools, and so forth, were of no ordi- 
nary description. We should suppose, religious 
privileges, combined with superior facilities for 
education, in a healthy location like this, would 
attract the attention of sober-minded parents, 
and induce them to give it the preference to 
places more extensively known and fashionable, 
but without these advantages. There was here 
a flourishing Episcopal church, under an excel- 
lent pastor, and the general society was good ; 

so that Mrs. S seemed well satisfied, making 

arrangements for a lengthy sojourn. 

The happy effect of the entire change of cir- 
cumstances soon began to be realized ; her 
appetite increased, and there was a visible im- 



88 THE pastor's wife; or, 

provement going on in her condition. The 
sanative diet and fine fruit, with daily exercise 
in the open air and cheerful company, had a 
genial influence, and, with the blessing of God, 
tended to restore her tone of mind and physi- 
cal energies. She was fond of walking out with 
the children, and many a stroll did we take 
in the evening through the beautiful groves 
around. Sometimes the boys would have gone, 
in charge of a servant, in advance to the Mili- 
tary College, to witness the parade of the 
cadets; and then, again, we would have to 
look them up in the Park, where, under the 
venerable elms, crow^ds of visitors enjoyed the 
balmy breeze. Nay, she delighted so much in 
rural scenery, and felt at length so strong, that 
when she had company to beguile the time, her 
excursions were of a surprising nature ; and 
once she actually accompanied a party of ladies 
and gentlemen, on foot, to the top of Mount 
Kenesaw ! — ^rather a feat for a delicate lady. 
Thus the sumraer passed pleasantly and 

profitably ; and late in the fall, Mr. S felt 

it his duty to go down again to his parish in 
Florida, where a considerable number of mem- 



MEMOIKS OF E. M. S. 89 

bers remained. The separation from his family 

was, indeed, painful ; but Mrs. S was so 

good a correspondent that he was kept informed 
of eyery thing of interest which transpired, by 
the regular arrival of letters each mail. 

The succeeding winter was a severe one, and 
the children had an opportunity of witnessing 
the phenomena of snow and ice, which they 
had never before seen. John wrote an amusing 
letter, in Eoman characters, describing the 
novel scene in his simple language. He said 
the water had turned hard, so that he could 
not wash his hands, and the rain almost broke 
the window-panes, and made the ground and 
grass look white; and that mamma let him 
gather the drops for marbles, but that they 
were always wet, and, at last, there was none 
of them to be found. 

The cold temperature, however, was of bene- 
fit to Mrs. S , and strengthened the children ; 

so that when the writer returned in the spring 
of 1862, he could notice an evident improvement. 
The boys were more robust, and had acquired 
ruddy countenances in place of the sallow hue 
which they bore. They were advanced, too, in 



90 THE pastob's wife ; OR, 

their studies, surprising their father by the ready 
manner in which they said the Catechism, and 

repeated divers hymns and songs. Mrs. S 

had been diHgent in her instructions. John 
readily found the Psalms at pubUc worship, read- 
ing them off with fluency. 

A return home, after a long absence from 
beloved ones, may become an occasion of pecu- 
liar enjoyment. It was so at this time ; for, to 
witness the glow of health which crimsoned the 
cheek, and the joyfulness which beamed in the 
countenance, as a tender mother gave her nar- 
rative of what had transpired, relating every 
interesting incident about the children, as also 
their queer doings and sayings, imparted an 
inexpressible degree of amusement and hap- 
piness. It is a sort of luxury, indeed, rarely to 
be had, being rather the result of peculiar 
circumstances. When we anticipate evil, what 
a pleasant surprise it is to meet with good ! It 
is one of those disappointments in this life 

which give us joy. Mrs. S , contrary to our 

fears, was in improved health and spirits, hav- 
ing spent the winter most comfortably, in the 
full enjoyment of the privileges of her com- 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 91 

miinion. Slie liked the style of preacliing, and 
felt attached to the amiable Kector of the 
parish, whose labors had been much blessed by 
the Lord. She had the satisfaction, too, of 
noting the salutary effects of his teaching upon 
one"^ in whose spiritual welfare she felt a deep 
interest, and of whose assumption of the sacred 
vow at God's altar she was the chosen witness. 

It was with unspeakable joy that a female 
child was born on July 20th, and named Jane 
Morton, after its beloved aunt. "Welcomed 
with extra honor on account of its sex, — since 
we were becoming dissatisfied at the increase 
running altogether in the male line, — its mother 
declared she received it with gratitude as a gift 
from the Lord, in place of her lamented little 
Eobert who had been taken away. It was 
baptized in St. James- Church, on Sunday, the 
19th of October, by Eev. Samuel Benedict, 
and behaved well. 

It is deemed proper here to record the fact, 
that about this time, the small-pox prevailing in 
town, the children, including the baby, were 

* Mrs. Watson. 



92 THE pastoe's wife; or, 

vaccinated. It did not, however, take upon 
her, and some years after it was renewed with 
success. 
At length we bade adieu to Marietta and its 

pleasant associations; on the October 

proceeding by rail to Columbus, Georgia, where 
we arrived safely on the 24th of November, and 
went to the residence of a beloved brother. 
Laus Deo ! 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 93 



CHAPTEE XI. 

MT is satisfactory to know plainly the kind 
of disease with which the sick is affected, 
and to be able to trace it to its origin. 
But, alas! too often do doubts rest upon the 
mind, both as to the correct classification of 
the sad visitation which threatens the Ufe of 
a beloved one, and, also, in regard to the way 
in which it was contracted ; and those whose 
study it has been to fathom the mysteries of 
medical science, however learned and skilful, 
sometimes, unfortunately, differ among them- 
selves about it, so that our minds are aban- 
doned to a painful state of uncertainty. 

The subject of these memoirs was, before 
marriage, in blooming health, but began after- 
ward to suffer much from dysentery, which 
assumed, finally, a chronic form. Of this, dur- 
ing her sojourn at Marietta, she was happily 
reheved; for which great mercy we heartily 
thanked God. But being unwell after the birth 



94 ^ THE pastor's wife; ok, 

of her last child, she was attended by a practi- 
tioner of high reputation, who detected the 
symptoms, as he feared, of a new disease. Yet 
we did not realize her condition ; for the evil 
effects of the journey having been removed by 
a due season of repose, she seemed to be her- 
self again, only suffering from a troublesome 
affection, which was not regarded as of a serious 
nature. Dr. Wingfield was called in to attend 
to her case ; and when Mr. S left, in Jan- 
uary, 1863, for Marianna, he did not regard her 
health as seriously affected. 

It was with much reluctance that he departed, 
but there were many considerations which made 
it proper : not only was it better to be engaged 
in his sacred calling, but the times were serious, 
and there was unprecedented difficulty in pro- 
curing subsistence. He sought a place of 
refuge to which he might remove his family, 
until the storm of civil war had passed over, 
and hoped to find the quiet inland village of 
Marianna just such a retreat. With these views 
he bade adieu, with a sad heart, and began an 
energetic effort to revive the parish, which had 
been vacant for some years. The good people 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 95 

received liim kindly, and his labors were 
blessed. 

The absence of dear ones was happily re- 
heved by the long circumstantial letters which 
each mail brought, and upon which he hved in 
his loneliness. One similarly situated only can 
reahze the blessed instrumentaUty of the pen, 
wielded skilfully by the hand of affection. 
Tlie graphic hues presented to his mental eye 
a picture more true than that of the painter's 
brush, so vividly did it keep before him the 
forms and scenery of home. Thus the writer's 
spirits were sustaiued, and his hands held up 
in his work, by the tender words and wise 
counsel of his distant wife. 

She composed ^yit]l much grace and facihty. 
Her letters were thrown off with the prompti- 
tude, correctness of style and penmanship of an 
accomplished clerk ; while she took pleasure in 
the exercise. This is not the case with the sex 
generally, most of whom, even if they write 
well, are not fond of it ; so that it is seldom 
that this ability and taste are combined in the 
same person. 

It is rather a gift of nature to possess the 



96 THE pastor's wife; or, 

correct, epistolary style wliicli commends itself 
by a chaste simplicity. In accordance with 
her character, she made in writing no attempt 
at display; there was no fine diction or 
pompous terms, while her words were smooth 
and appropriate, and the mode of expressing 
her ideas classical. From an essay down to a 
plain note of civility, she knew how to write in 
accordance with fitness, saying common things 
often in a manner which gave them attraction. 
Her letters were thns models, both in sentiment 
and execution. Now, we mean no eulogy in 
speaking so much on this score, but to present 
her as a pattern to her children. What gift is 
there more useful, nay, ornamental to a lady, 
than this readiness in using her pen ? It is to 
be preferred to any one of the lauded accom- 
plishments. Mrs. S , from having failed 

in her attempt at music through lack of a cor- 
rect ear, it is likely was led to love and cul- 
tivate more sedulously the epistolary art. And 
so, when both talents cannot, imfortunately, be 
acquired, if we had a choice, we would far 
prefer the art of communicating ideas to that 
of creating emotion by sound, however attract- 



MEMOIRS OP E. M. S. 97 

ive and valuable.. It is the telegraph of the 
mind, wli€reby thought responds to thought, 
and space, if not time, is overcome. 

Mrs. S would wiite, surrounded by her 

little childi'en, pulling at her dress, shaking the 
table, or asking questions, without a blot, mis- 
take, or interlineation. Unfortunately, few of her 
letters were saved. They had accumulated in 
bundles, and the times were such that nothing 
could well be kept by those who were moving 
about ; and so, not anticipating the calamity of 
losing her, these letters were burned with other 
loose papers. Our pungent regret could not 
recall them when we were made sensible of her 
danger, from which date we kept every line she 
wrote, even to a simple direction on a label, or 
remark in a book. The feAv that 'remain will 
ever be precious to us. 

Her letters were full of the children ; and, 
although an invalid, she gave the two oldest 
daily instructions. William was especially her 
pupil, whom she wished to advance by the time 
of his father's retiu^n. He was a little fellow, 
and passed through Sanders' First Reader, and 
learned the Multiplication Table, under her 

9 



98 THE pastor's wife; or, 

charge. The latter, a difficult task for one of 
his age, she was anxious that he should effect, 
and took much pains in fixing it in his memory. 
Accustomed to exercise in her room, which was 
unusually large, she would repeat the numbers 
again and again to him, as she passed over the 
carpet with her broom. She made John read 
the Psalms for each morning, aiid sometimes 
evening, as also portions of the Holy Scrip- 
tures, which practice was of lasting benefit to 
him. 

The perusal of the letters which remain, 
written about this time, will give much insight 
into her character. They are full of devout 
resignation to the Divine will, dependence on 
Providence, affection for her friends, and grati- 
tude for every favor and attention she received. 
Truly expressive of the very thoughts of her 
heart, they are creditable to her Christian pro- 
fession. Especially are the yearnings of a 
mother for her children naturally developed. 
Some extracts will be of interest. 

Under date of March 1st, 1863, she writes : 
" There has been much sickness among children 
here. Our little ones have been blessed, and. 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 99 

. with a grateful heart, I record that they have 
been free even from colds. William and Walter 
are fattening like pigs ; and all, thanks to God ! 
seem hearty. No doubt (under Providence) 
their health is owing to our good fortmie in 
having for them thick shoes and warm flannel 
garments. Many are compelled to go without, 
as noiu they can't be had at any price." Of the 
youngest child, Jenny, she says : " I long for 
you to see how our jewel has developed since 
you left. She is so sweet and cunning — every 
one remarks how bright and wise she seems. 
She is a precious darling, if she is ^petite 
demoiselle,' and the very joy and light of our 
life. We often take her to ride when the 
weather is pleasant, and the afr has given her 
quite a ruddy color. She is your own child in 
taste as well as features, for she is greedy 
already after corn-bread (don't hke wheat), and 
devours, twice a day, a piece with great relish." 

Mrs. S was suflfering fr^om an affection of 

the bladder of some sort, for which it had been 
necessary to cauterize t'le parts, which she 
endured with gTeat firmness. The effect was 
salutary ; she was much reUeved, and a hope 



100 THE pastoe's wife; 02, 

indulged by the physicians of a radical cure. 
By-and-by the evil symptoms returning, it was 
deemed proper to renew the process ; and she 
gives an account of it in a letter, dated April 
10th. " On Thursday last the doctors came 
and performed the second operation. Dr. W. 
thinks that this will perhaps be the last time 
he need use the caustic. The pain, far two 
days after, is terrible. This time, having had 
it so long on my mind, the feelings it produced 
so upset my nervous system, that I was com- 
pletely prostrated, and forced to keep my bed 
till two days since." 

She then refers to the proposed plan of keep- 
ing house in Columbus, and adds : '' I am scrib- 
bHng, after tea, rather tired — as we went out 
again to ride this afternoon. While it is pleas- 
ant weather it is best to get all the air pos- 
sible, which surpasses medicine for health. 
Jenny always goes, and is so happy ! A better 
baby no one was ever blessed with. Jane is 
devoted to her, and, on account of my weak- 
ness, has more to do for her than I. Surely, 
she must think it is her own motlier truly, 
though she does call her ^ Attic." If you 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 101 

could behold her seated on the floor while the 
boys are playing ear, eagerly following with 
her large orbs every movement, — ^when near, 
reaching out her tiny fingers, and scattering 

the blocks, to theii' great glee " 

9* 



102 THE pastor's wife; or, 




CHAPTEE XII. 

j^N the first Sunday after Easter a letter 
was received, in wHcli slie thus expresses 
herself : 

" Absent as usual these days from the sanc- 
tuary, after reading the services my heart 
yearns to communicate with you. May a bless- 
ing be with your labors to-day, and your flock 
prove * doers as well as hearers of the word' 

preached unto them I am much better, 

and gradually gaining strength. The operation 
has had an effect upon all the symptoms, and I 
pray God may prove a cure. But whether or 
not, it seems now to me as if I never could 
tmdergo it again. You must hear of Will's 
shrewdness. He was in the room when the 
doctor made the last appointment, saying, 
' Once more, and I think we will cure you.' 
"Will caught at it, went all round the lot telhng, 
* When the doctor comes once more, mamma will 
be all right. Ain't you glad ? I am so glad !' 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 103 

After the visit, beliolding me in bed groaning 
with pain was a poser. ' Well/ he said, * that's 
a funny doctor to make mamma luell by making 
her icosserJ The same boy said, on another 
occasion, ^ Ma, I would not die, but get another 
doctor/ 

" Our Jenny is really growing fat at last ; she 
has ceased to call forth sympathy." 

Under date of May 10th, she gives an account 
of the inflated prices of food, saying, "Tou 
must make up your mind to hve on the most 
frugal plan 

"Jenny's ivory, No. 4, came through last 
night; which was quite a relief. She is such 
a good, sweet, blessed baby, that it actually 
makes me mad to have my forfeited health laid 

at her door. It is not fair Besides, she 

is even worth all the suffering ...... "What a 

gloom is spread over the country by the annun- 
ciation, in the evening papers, of the death of 
that noble, brave, beloved General Stonewall 
Jackson, in such a sad way !" 

May 18th, she writes : " Since receiving your 
letter, which despaired of the Bishop, I rejoice 
to hear, through Mr. M , he met him on his 



W4 THE pastor's wife; or, 

way, and I hope lie was witli yon yesterday. I 
was witli yon in spirit, and fe:Fvently prayed for 
those who were to renew their baptismal vows. 
God grant that their names may be written in 
the Lamb's book of life !" 

Letters under dates of May 30th and June 
8d, have been preserved ; in which she speaks 
of our arrangements for house-keeping, advises 
to purchase what food could be had where I 
was, urges a search for all the bismuth (a 
medicine which had been of benefit to her) 
that could be had, and shows the goodness 
of her heart and her constant thoughtfulness 
about others, by requesting me to get, by all 
means, if possible, a certain article of diet, much 
needed for a sick friend, and which could not 
be found in Columbus, and send it as quickly 
as I could. 

It is pleasant to quote her words, as thereby 
they will be preserved for her children : " I feel 
so anxious about your cold. It is a blessing you 
were not in an open buggy in the rain. Now 
your Confirmation is over, and your visit to 
Bainbridge given up, surely you will be with 
us before the last of June." And in a later 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 105 

letter : " Yesterday your letter with the bismuth 
was received : to-day, your unusually precious 
one with the joyful tidings that you hoped to 
be soon homeward-bound. God grant we may 
ALL be spared to meet each other. On telling 
your dear sons, they flew about exulting, and 
cutting up all kinds of capers, ' because they 
were so glad papa was coming.' Jenny caught 
the infection, crowing, clapping her hands, and 
laughing aloud, without reahzing the cause of 
the ' arousement' going on." There was, alas ! 
a meaning in the underscoring of the word all 
above, which was^beginning to be understood. . 
At the close, she says, "We have great cause 
for cheerfulness, and gratitude to God for all his 
benefits to us : we ought to have faith in his 
providence for the future, since we are now and 
have been in past times so blessed." 

For two months past, the writer had been 
much engaged in preparing a large class for 
Confirmation, and in frequent religious services ; 
the Bishop had arrived at length ; the church 
had been consecrated; and the apostohc rite 
had been administered : yet, he had never 
failed to correspond frequently and fully with 



106 THE pastor's wife; OB, 

his family. They were ever in his thoughts 
and in his prayers to a throne of grace and 
mercy. There can be, in reality, no want of 
time for communication with a familiar and dear 
friend, where no studied epistle is thought of ; 
much less with a beloved, absent wife. Mrs. 
S 's letters were as frequent, copious, and in- 
teresting as ever, but by-and-by it was notice- 
able and felt that she made no reference to her 
health. Reminded of this omission, and direct 
inquiry being made, she still made no response, 
until the suspicion arose that this course was 
mere reticence, to avoid painful disclosures. 
At length came an acknow^ledgment that the 
doctors seemed in despair at the features of 
the case, which disincHned them to repeat the 
operation ; that in reply to a letter to Dr. 
B . . . . n, urging the matter, he had candidly 
said that he would be most happy if he could 
do any thing for her, but that he knew of noth- 
ing, only advising the use of a certain mixture 
as a sedative ; and that she had not thought it 
proper to disturb my mind, and so disqualify 
me from duty, by telling about these discour- 
agements, which, after all, might be imaginary, 



MEMOmS OF E. M. S. 107 

as we could not tell how it might please God 
to dispose of the case. This created great un- 
easiness, and almost simultaneously came a 
letter from her brother, giving full information 
(which he had gotten from a private consulta- 
tion with her physician) as to the critical con- 
dition of Mrs, S . 

Alas ! how painful was this communication ! 
and yet hope kept off its full realization. We 
could not think of remaining longer, and recall- 
ing an appointment which had been made at 
Bainbridge, we hastened to Columbus a month 
sooner than had been proposed. 



108 THE pastoe's wife; oe. 




CHAPTEE XIII. 

^HE writer of these memoirs reached 
Columbus on the 10th of June, in the 

evening, and found Mrs. S better 

than he expected. She was reduced in flesh, 
but had a good appetite, took exercise daily in 
a carriage, was cheerful, and apparently hopeful. 
His return, doubtless, benefited her by reviving 
her spirits, so that a favorable change was 
observable by her friends. The will, too, has 
something to do with the health, as despond- 
ency and languor tend to invite disease, and no 
doubt she made an effort to appear as well as 
possible on the occasion, lest we should be 
pained at her condition. She had always this 
peculiarity, that she was averse to being thought 
sick, and never gave way to indisposition, nor 
sought her ease, unless really obliged to suc- 
cumb; Lence, it was necessary to notice and 
take care of her. So we had arrived in good 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 109 

time to afford the assistance and comfort which 
were needed. 

The attention which had been given to the 
children was gratifying. John had improved 
in reading ; WiUiam could say well his multi- 
plication table ; Walter, deart3hild, knew some- 
thing ; and Jenny, a puny thing, whose condition 
had created anxiety, was fat and buoyant. 
Each one had something to tell, and there was 
a happy family reunion once more. 

Mrs. S 's sympathies, always lively, were 

exercised much about the sick, whom she was 
sure, if possible, to visit in her rides. Not far 
off, on the next street, was an aged lady whom 
she had known from her first recollection of the 
South, and who was confined to her bed by an 
indisposition, which her physician pronounced 

of a fatal character. Mrs. S went to see, 

and held a pleasant and edifying conversation 
with her, who incidentally spoke of her physi- 
cian in terms of high commendation. He was 

of the homoeopathic school, and Mrs. S 's 

attention being thus turned to him, she was 
soon induced to confide her own case to his 
care; for her original medical adviser now 



110 THE pastor's wife; ok, 

rarely called, and in truth liad expressed his 
inability to render any other than partial relief. 

Mrs. S had always had a preference for 

that mode of treatment, and, although of a dif- 
ferent opinion, we yielded willingly to any 
change which afforded hope; for we believed 
there was safety in either school, when the 
practitioners were educated and regularly in- 
structed, with a due degree of experience. Dr. 
MurriU had a high reputation and an extensive 
practice, and, beginning at once to apply his 
medicines, was assiduous in his attention. We 
were now enabled to carry out our plan of bouse- 
keepirig, having been so fortunate as to secure 
the mansion on Front-street, belonging to H. B. 
Meigs, Esq., who had gone to Upper Georgia. 
It was eligibly situated, with spacious rooms, 
and we moved in early in July. A change even 
of fecenery has a salutary effect upon an invaUd, 
and Mrs. S had looked forward with pleas- 
ant anticipations to the advantages of her new 
situation. The absorbing purpose with us was 
the restoration of her health, by carrying out 
the new treatment of her disease to a successful 
issue, with the Divine blessing. Having at 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. Ill 

command every means which science has sup- 
pKed, and trusting to Him in whose hands are 
the issues of Ufe and death, we could not yield 
to despair. 

The aspect of things was cheerful, and not 
without promise. We had much confidence in 
the physician, whose directions were observed 
in every respect. The course to be pursued was 
to keep her mind free from care, and to supply 
proper nourishment and exercise to aid the 
remedial agents which ^^ere administered. She 
was so active and industrious in her nature, 
that it was diflficultto keep her still. She took 
her seat usually at the head of the table, gener- 
ally gave directions, and sometimes superin- 
tended the household affairs. But her good 
sister relieved her in every respect, as far as she 
would permit her; yet, only toward the last, 
when her strength utterly failed, would she 
relinquish every duty, and then — no longer able 
to move about the house — she kept, in pencil, 
her diary and expense-account. 

Her habits were regular for some length of 
time. She would rise in the morning, take 
a cup of coffee, be present at family prayers in 



112 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 

the parlor, glance over tlie morning newspaper, 
breakfast, perhaps give some attention to house- 
hold matters, ride for an hour and a half, re- 
cline on the sofa with a book or teach the 
children, sew or write a little, dine, take some 
repose, see friends, perhaps ride late in the 
afternoon, take tea, and retire early. There 
was strict attention to the medical prescriptions, 
and her diet and exercise were regulated with 
prudence. We were fortunate in procuring such 
food as was suitable for her dehcate digestive 
powers, and there was a plentiful supply of fruit. 
She would relish the breast of a bird, and, be- 
tween meals, ripe peaches seemed especially- 
grateful to her stomach. The water on the lot 
was of superior quality, just suited to her con- 
dition, being from a cistern beneath the surface 
of the ground, and so cool, that it tasted as if 
it had been moderately iced. 

Her friends, too, took occasion to show their 
attachment by numerous little gifts for the 
table, which were valuable in themselves on 
account of their rarity and scarceness, and, as 
tokens of affection, gratefully appreciated. In 
fact, these evidences of esteem were almost of 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 113 

daily occurrence, and it was affecting to notice 
how feelingly she received them : nay, the small- 
est attention was not overlooked, nor did the 
least gift pass without especial acknowledg- 
ment, and we have been moved by instances in 
which, when she received a nice dish, she would 
think immediately of some sick person, a fellow- 
sufferer, and, dividing it, send part of it pri- 
vately away. 

There was, it is pleasant to reflect, some en- 
joyment connected with her situation : the dis- 
ease was evidently mitigated, losing some of its 
uncomfortable features, and thus enabling her 
to sleep well at night. She became, it is true, 
more emaciated as her strength gradually de- 
clined; yet, our hopes led us to reason that 
when the disease had been subdued, the body 
could be built up again. We would talk over 
our future plans about removing to Florida at 
the close of the year, and count upon the happy 
effect of the change upon her health. 

Thus affairs went on, and, for some three 
months or more, we were encouraged and 
hopeful. Then we observed, with apprehen- 
sion, that she did not seem able to get ready 

10^- 



114 THE pastob's wife; oe, 

for breakfast, and yentnred to suggest the pro- 
priety of indulging in the morning, and taking 
the meal in bed. Nor could she, at length, 
keep up her system of riding regularly. It was 
perceived that she was much weaker than she 
appeared, sustaining herself by great effort; 
and she also became more despondent, so that, 
while our fears were awakened, it was seen to 
be necessary to do every thing to cheer her. 
We looked anxiously each day for some change 
for the better, awaiting the visits of the kind 
doctor, who was always encouraging in his 
manner. 

When company came, they would be received 
or not into her room, according to her wishes. 
Sometimes these visits were enjoyed by Mrs. 

S , and were really beneficial, so that we 

encouraged them. We remember occasions on 
which she appeared to forget her own ills, and 
her spirits flowed with a degree of buoyancy 
which reminded us of early days. Indeed, such 
were her recuperative powers, that no one who 
conversed with her would ever suppose she was 
sick, unless she chose to divulge it. For in- 
stance, Miss Lavinia L., with her mamed sis- 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 115 

ter, called about the middle of September. 
They were old friends, between whom and Mrs. 

S there was perfect confidence, and both 

were of lively disposition. After the usual 
inquiries, the conversation flowed freely, and 

Mrs. S soon became interested, and took 

her part. She was possessed of superior collo- 
quial powers, and when animated, showed to 
the best advantage, being very fluent. It took 
a wide range, embracing the present, past, and 
future. Doubtless it does the heart good to 
unbosom itseK to a sympathizing friend, and 
talk over old scores. Such, we are told, was 
this lengthy interview, embracing the whole 
morning. Miss L. was soon to be married 
to Judge E., and f eel)^ talked over the matter, 

while Mrs. S , with equal candor, expressed 

her opinion, told some interesting incidents, and 
laughed over the turn of events, so unexpected 
to both parties. 

Wlien the visitors left, she reclined on the 
bed, rather fatigued with the effort, but we think 
it did her no harm in the end. She was, how- 
ever, fluctuating in her mood, and sometimes 
talked dejectedly about the future — although 



116 THE PAS or's wife; oe, 

always with a true Cliristian spirit — when the 
company introduced serious and melancholy 
topics. Conscious she had time enough for 
meditation and sober thought, we were glad 
when her mind could be diverted by other 
associations, so as not to brood over her con- 
dition. It was necessary to counteract the 
tendency to depression, which surrounding cir- 
cumstances fearfully encouraged. The public 
disorder and general distress, the changed 
aspect of things, with the gloomy state of feel- 
ing in the community, had an unfortunate effect 
on an invalid. It was prudent to shut out such 
influences as much as possible ; and hence the 
free conversation of a discreet friend, who could 
divert the attention from the present and carry 
the thoughts back to a happier period, was 
a balm to both soul and body. 

Her affectionate sister possessed the faculty 
of doing this, and would often be successful : 
sometimes, however, there would be a sad re- 
action. When, eschewing the troubles of the 
day, the conversation would be about our ar- 
rangements when we should have removed to 
Florida, she would listen with interest, make 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 117 

suggestions, and talk on with us, until, alas! 
seeming suddenly to realize her condition, she 
would make our hearts sink within us with 
a sensation of indescribable pain by exclaiming : 
" O Jane, I shall be dead and buried at that 
time !" And when the dear baby would be 
creeping playfully about the floor, she would 
sometimes fix her eyes, filled with tears, upon 
her, saying, '' To think I shall not live to see 
you walk !" 

These were melancholy scenes, and we tried 
to assuage their bitterness by letting them pass 
without notice, that the emotion might be as 
transient as possible ; and yet they were honor- 
able to humanity, for surely to realize our mor- 
tahty is proper, and we sympathize with the 
deep afi*ection which dwells in a mother's bosom 
— only we would gladly have foregone their 
manifestation under the pecuhar cbcumstances. 
The Christian, under God's visitation, should 
cultivate cheerfulness, and have a ^^.ra.eful heart 
when possessed of sufficient buoyancy of spirit 
to enjoy the brief time granted here below. 
The tendency of one's faith is surely to produce 
serenity, even amid calamity and danger ; but 



118 THE pastor's wife; oe, 

much depends on our physical state, which may 
be such as to interfere adversely with the in- 
fluence of every moral motive in the character. 
She surely sustained herself with admirable 
fortitude. 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 119 




CHAPTER XIV. 



was fond of reading, and you 



would generally find in her room a 
book spread open and a leaf turned 
down, the perusal of which she resumed at 
leisure moments. While she gave pre-eminence 
to the Scriptures, perusing them morning and 
evening systematically, when there was oppor- 
tunity she indulged in miscellaneous reading, 
being fond of periodical literature, as well as 
the old English classics, which she quoted with 
readiness. This was not solely for amusement, 
but edification, proceeding from a love of 
knowledge and new acquirements, and she was 
accustomed to make notes in the margin. Not 
at all mclined to se -indul ence or indolence, 
she cultivated the moral and intellectual facul- 
ties, devising the best way of training her 
children, and instructing them in every good 
and useful thing. She took especial care to 
nurtui'e the conscience of her little ones from 



120 THE pastor's wife; or, 

the earliest development of their faculties, 
teaching truthfulness, brotherly love, and the 
various obligations of God's holy word. 

John's first impressions were from her faith- 
ful lessons. She disliked very much dissimu- 
lation and equivocation, and tried to stamp 
upon their minds the convictiou that they were 
sinful and offensive in the sight of GoA She 
was in this respect a model parent. And when 
she used discipline, it was with much tenderness, 
always first explaining carefully the nature of 
their fault, and admonishing them about it, 
before the punishment. She understood well, 
and carried out judiciously, the apostohc ad- 
monition — " And, ye fathers, provoke not your 
children to wrath ; but bring them up in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord." 

As to their learning, she was anxious that 
they should lay a good foundation in spelling, 
reading, and writing, remarking how many per- 
sons of fine education, as to the popular accom- 
plishments of the day, were defective m these 
respects. And she wished them to acquire 
a fondness for the pen, especially her httle 
daughter, whose every look and motion she 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S, 121 

watched, being as dear to lier as the apple of 
her eye. 

It was a sore affliction to be unable to read 
and write as usual — the exercise affected her 
sight; and she had to forgo the pleasant en- 
gagement of instructing the boys. We contrived 
gradually to relieve her of every duty, ^\dthout 
making her feel her decline, and to supply her 
mental necessities by reading to her at favor- 
able times. When the hour came for her ride, 
and the carriage was announced as waiting, she 
would make an effort to move to it with that 
quick motion and elastic step which were once 
peculiar to her, and although an arm was ex- 
tended to aid her, would often decline, as if con- 
scious of her abihty to get along, when she 
would be almost tottering with weakness. Such 
was the energy of her will and resolution to 
resist the power of the disease which was, alas ! 
gradually drying up the fountain-springs of life. 

The direction of the drive was often to the 
beautiful plateau on the Chattahoochee Eiver, 
once used as a race-course ; and, as the car- 
riage swept round and round many times the 
field, the ah inhaled would be delightful, and, 

11 



122 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 

combined with tlie beauty of the scenery, had a 

happy effect upon Mrs. S , whose spirits 

would be raised, so that she would converse 
cheerfully with those who accompanied her. 
Little Jenny was generally one of the party, 
and gave many demonstrations of her gratifica- 
tion. Often Mrs. S would stop at the doors 

of friends to make inquiries, without being able 
to alight. As the noise of the returning vehicle 
was. heard approaching the house, John would 
hasten out with the stool, to facihtate the de- 
scent of his dear mamma from the carriage. 

When Mrs. S ceased to rise in time for 

early prayers, we held our devotions in her 
chamber, after breakfast ; which exercises were 
preceded by reading a chapter in the Bible, 
and, at other times, in a favorite book. She 
would unite with fervor in these services. We 
read thus by her bedside a large portion of 
"The Morning and Evening Watches," a little 
manual of which she was very fond, having 
gone through it repeatedly. She had often 
read it, in her visits of mercy, at the bedside 
of the sick, and was familiar, not only with its 
ideas, but could repeat its language. It might 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 123 

thus be said, she had " read, marked, and in- 
wardly digested" it to her soul's health. "We 
read to her also at different times, " James on 
the Collects," and parts of " Sickness — its Trials 
and Blessings." 

As she could not take an active part in house- 
keeping, and, by the advice of the doctor, had 
to refrain from reading much, she was at a loss 
how to employ her time, lamenting her idle- 
ness, although she contrived to be always ^do- 
ing something useful. She took to hiitting, 
which is light work, requiring little use of 
the sight. In this way she furnished some val- 
uable small articles. She did not seem to un- 
derstand how to make hosiery, but would man- 
ufacture, with much ease, purses, mats, tidies, 
and various fancy things for the house, and as 
presents to her friends. Seated in her rockmg- 
chair, her fingers would be in motion, while her 
active mind exercised itself in exchanging ideas 
with those around her. A beloved . sister was 
present more constantly than any one else, and 
to her she communicated her secret thoughts, 
and gave many evidences of affection. " O, 
Jane," she one day said, " I did think I should 



124 THE pastoe's wife; OEj 

outlive you, but now I have changed my mind." 
She would call for her account-book, and make 
entries of the expenses of the house : the last 
one was on the 22d of October. 

Occasionally she would look in a book for a 
few moments, and then seem to be meditating 
upon what she had read. When she met with 
any article which she liked, she would peruse 
it more than once. She had " Night Watches" 
in poetry, and selected the piece, " Why am I 
sick?""^ as a favorite. Its plaintive strain and 
congenial sentiments, doubtless, commended it 
to her notice. She talked little about experi- 
mental religion, dweUing rather on its practical 
features. Her conscience was tender and her 
heart full of benevolence, seeming to adopt the 
sacred truth : " This is the love of God, that we 
keep his commandments." 

We have often regretted that she was so 
reserved on this score, but it arose from a pecu- 
liar feature in her character, which made her 
distrust too much her own judgment, and fear 
exaggeration. 

* Appendix, F. 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 125 

Sometimes, to beguile the hour, she would 
compose in a little book, in pencil; and the 
following is transcribed as most precious : 

A Wife's Prayer. 

"Lord, bless and preserve that dear person 
whom Thou hast chosen to be my husband; 
let his life be long and blessed, happy and 
comfortable; and let me also become a great 
blessing and comfort unto him, and sharer in 
all his sorrows ; a meet helper in all the acci- 
dents and changes in the world. Make me 
amiahle forever in his sight, and forever dear to 
him ; unite Ms heart to me in the dearest love 
and holiness, and mine to him in all sweetness 
and charity and compliance. Keep me fi'om 
ungentleness, all discontentedness, unreason- 
ableness of passion and humor, and make me 
humble and obedient, useful and observant, 
that we may dehght in each other ^ according to 
Thy blessed "Word, and both of us may rejoice 
in Thee, having one portion in the love and 
service of God forever. Amen." 

11* 



126 THE pastor's wife; or, 




CHAPTER XY. 

^BS. 8 would now recline a good 

portion of tlie day, and , sometimes be 
unable to leave her bed. The morn- 
ings and evenings were cool, and we hoped the 
change of season would be beneficial. Her 
appetite was good; she would feed on birds 
and drink a little blackberry wine ; while a cup 
of coffee in the morning continued to be rehshed. 
The doctor's advice was, to take as much nutri- 
ment as possible, so as to keep up strength and 
supply the loss from the disease, which seemed 
uncontrollable, depleting the veins and wasting 
away the body. Still, he went on with his 
system, encouraging us as best he could, and 
hoping almost against hope for final success. 

Her comfort seemed to be, to see her dear 
children about her, and to devise means of 
benefiting them when she was gone. It was 
evident that her mind was engaged in adjustmg 
her temporal affairs, and, although she spoke 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. < 127 

little, that she was preparing for eternity. The 
subject of her dissolution was too painful for 
mention, or rather, was kept out of view as 
much as possible ; but it would sometimes be 
forced upon our notice. This silence is always 
afterward regretted, and is perhaps wrong in 
itseK ; yet, how much Christian grace and forti- 
tude are required to talk calmly on such a topic 
— to approach nearly so sad a consummation, 
making a personal apphcation, to one dearly 
beloved, of the solemn truth, "Dust thou art, 
and unto dust thou shalt return !" Where espe- 
cially there are many ties of nature to be sev- 
ered, it will be felt as inhumane to extinguish 
the last ray of hope, and to expect a parent to 
reach entire resignation, except by the tardiest 
process ; while the fear will arise that we may 
be hastening the sad result by the depressing 
influence of our communication. These con- 
siderations constrain often even the Christian to 
a silence which he scarcely approves. 

It was her ardent wish to be remembered by 
her children. This sohcitude was of no ordinary 
strength, and was evinced oftentimes in a very 
affecting manner. Little Walter was winning 



128 . THE fastoe's wife; OB, 

in his ways, and much about her bed. "When 
others had left the room, he would often volun- 
tarily remain to keep her company, in prefer- 
ence to going out to play. She would talk 
gently, giving advice, and telling him he must 
not forget his mother. "When she ate she 
would often call him, that he might take some- 
thing with her — those parts of birds that she 
could not so well digest. One day, he lingered 
by her bedside, as we were sitting down to table 
in the dining-room, after he had been called. 
When she kissed him, and told him to go, he 
would reluctantly leave. At length he came, 
with his large eyes filled with tears, and said, as 
if not understanding it : " Mamma says she is 
going to die, and Auntie is now my mother ; that 
I must be a good boy and mind her." Oh, how 
this affecting incident distressed us! We sent 
him back to say, that she was a good mamma, 
and he did not want any other. 

John would read to her something she had 
selected ; at which she would express her satis- 
faction and comfort, as well as pride that she 
had so large and useful a son. As she looked 
steadily at him, she would tell him in an affec- 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. VA'J 

tionate tone, "Jie must not forget his mother ;" 
that he must learn his book, be a good boy, and 
mind his father and Auntie. She would say 
the same thing to WiUiam, as he stood at her 
bedside. 

At times she would by some act show the 
strength of her feeUngs. On one occasion, 
when her infant child chanced not to be in the 
room, she called for it, and after fondling it in 
her peculiar manner, raised her hands, as they 
were removing it, and said : " God bless my 
dear baby ! God bless my dear baby !" She 
was used to say, that it was better she had 
boys rather than girls, as they could sustain 
themselves ; that she wished Jenny to learn the 
useful as well as the ornamental branches of 
education — to know how to use her needle, and 
to make pastry. She would regret that she 
herself had not learned more perfectly the hum- 
bler arts of sewing and knitting, as she was 
taught by the hard times to appreciate their 
value. 

There was greater suffering now, and her rest 
was more disturbed. " I have been lymg awake 
almost all night," said she one morning; "for 



130 THE pastor's wife; ok, 

I could not sleep — ^thinking over, ail the hymns 
I ever learned." At this period she preferred 
being alone at night, not thinking it necessary 
to have any one in her chamber, since it was 
connected with the two adjoining rooms, in 
which members of the family and a servant 
slept; and the gas was always left faintly 
burning. The writer, too, kept a sort of vigil, 
waking often during the night, when he would 
pass with light step through her apartment, 
that he might see that all was right. Some- 
times she would be slumbering sweetly, and 
then again, alas ! in a restless, excited condi- 
tion ; when he would soothe her, give her drink, 
and perhaps medicine. 

One morning, awaking quite late, she said 
she had slept all night long very soundly, and 
felt great relief in some way, for which she 
heartily thanked God. Her countenance and 
manner were indicative of a remarkable change, 
and we were taken by surprise, rejoicing greatly. 
Her gratitude seemed, too, to awaken her con- 
science to her real and imaginary faults, as she 
exclaimed : " May God forgive me ! May God 
forgive me for bearing my sickness — His chas- 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 131 

tisement for my sins — so badly ! Oh, if I never 
recover, I still do feel most grateful for tliis 
blessed respite. I am almost well, for I can 
turn and lie on my left side, which I have not 
been able V) do for a long time." 

She was assumed that we thought she acted 
well under the circumstances, and that she 
ought not to reproach herself. 

There are allowances surely to be made for 
the sick, especially for irregularities of temper, 
which is a pardonable frailty in the physical 
disorder of the system. 

Mrs. S really took her sickness patiently, 

and with a rare degree of Christian fortitude. 
That she should repine at moments, e\dncing 
an unwillingness to break the tender ties which 
bound her to sublunary scenes, was natural. 
The yearnings of maternal love could not be 
repressed, even while her ransomed soul was 
pluming its wings to fly away to celestial man- 
sions. She was evidently quietly preparing for 
the crisis, setting her house in order, and yet 
she received her friends with Christian cheer- 
fulness. How nobly would she endure pain, 
even of the most agonizing kind! striving to 



132 THE pastor's wife; oe, 

conceal it, and rarely mnrmnring, — sometimes, 
indeed, with a pious ejaculation, "O my Sa- 
viour !" 

In private, with her beloved sister, she was 
more apt to give way to depressior^ and even 
to weep at the sad thought, tljat perhaps her 
children, so young, would forget, or remember 
her only in connection with her sickaess. 

And, too, her conscience was so tender that 
she seemed to be seeking opportunities to atone 
for the least supposable wrong she could have 
done ; even saying to her faithful sister, whose 
life had been spent with her, " O Jane, I am 
afraid I have sometimes hurt your feelings, — 
not now, but in former days." When assured 
there was no remembrance of any thing of the 
sort, she seemed satisfied. But she would soon 
recover her tone of mind, listen to the news of 
the day, converse in her usual prompt and in- 
telligent manner, and even sometimes indulge 
in facetiousness. 



MEMOIBS OF E. M. S. 133 



CHAPTEE XVI. 

§UT we had been deluded about her re- 
covery, for the old symptoms returned in 
a few days with greater violence. We 
had been so much encouraged, that we had 
returned thanks publicly in the sanctuary. She 
had formerly asked the prayers of the congre- 
gation in her behalf, but postponed taking pri- 
vate communion, from the hope that she would 
be able to get to the church ; but influenced 
also, we think, by some misconception or un- 
fortunate association which awakened painful 
anticipations. This being perceived, its accept- 
ance was not urged, but she was left to the 
operation of her own feelings. She ingenuously 
said, she felt private communion was for those 
who would die soon, and she could not take it 
in a proper frame of mind. We exposed her 
error ; that it was not so to be understood ; as 
we did not abandon hope in seeking God's 
grace in His appointed sacrament, which we 

12 



134 THE pastok's wipe; OB, 

ought never to forego wlien it can be had. "We 
were rather led to think her mind had not been 
brought to a perfect acquiescence in the Divine 
will ; which time only, through His grace, could 
do. Although she had said " the medicines did 
her no good, and she had better make up her 
mind to die," she could not take a near view of 
eternity without shrinking from it ; for she had 
not reached a perfect state of resignation. And 
so several opportunities passed by when the 
communion was solemnized at the church, and 
she said nothing. 

On the first of November, however, to our 
great satisfaction, she called me to her bed just 
before I went out, and said she wished to par- 
take that afternoon in her chamber, and I must 
bring the consecrated elements from the church. 
"We rejoiced at the removal of her difficulties, 
and knew she would now have both benefit and 
comfort in the Holy Sacrament. She had told 
her sister that she was trying to prepare her- 
self ; of which there were many evidences : and, 
in our devotions in her room, especially those 
held at night with her alone, we had faithfully 
presented her case at a throne of mercy, and 



liLEMOIliS OF E. M. 8. 135 

wrestled in prayer for a blessing upon her. 
We cannot tliink it was withheld ; nay, we 
remember those occasions now with sweet con- 
solation. 

November came in on Sunday, a clear beau- 
tiful day. It was the anniversary of William's 
birth. Mrs. S thought proper to distin- 
guish it by some memorials of her affection for 
the children. So, after the usual devotions, she 
told John to open her bureau-drawer, and bring 
her some books, of which she wished him to 
take his choice. She then gave John and 
WilUam each a copy of the Oxford edition of 
the Holy Bible (pearl, 24mo), with elastic cover ; 
and to Wilham, a favorite httle Prayer-Book. 
She had a short time before signified her wish 
that Jenny should have her superb Prayer-Book 
with plates. To William she also gave a plain 
Prayer-Book. Each gift was accompanied with 
her blessing, and the promise to write their 
names in them respectively some other time. 
The children each kissed her, and went off in 
a happy mood to dress for worship. 

A large congregation convened at the church, 
and the Lord's Supper was administered : at the 



136 THE pastor's wife; or, 

close the remaining elements were taken away 
carefully in a silver vessel, to be used in our pri- 
vate commemoration. 

Mrs. S , when left at home, used to go 

over the service devoutly to herself; and so, 
having been with us in spirit all along, she 
was prepared for the solemn rite. Late in the 
afternoon she had arisen, and was' ready, seated 
in her armchair; a small table, covered with 
a linen cloth, had been placed conveniently, 
and all things were disposed in order. 

The service which the Church has set forth 
for the occasion is very appropriate and affect- 
ing. The Collect, Epistle, and Gospel are just 
what are needed by the sick, who is about to 
feed on Christ by "faith with thanksgiving," 
and whose languishing soul in its extremity 
yearns to receive the grand seal of the forgive- 
ness of sins through the blood of a precious 
Saviour. Susceptible, under the circumstances, 
to peculiar emotions and infirmities, it must be 
dealt with judiciously and tenderly. A quick- 
ened sense of the odiousness of sin, and a nat- 
ural fear of God's displeasure, may so disturb 
the mind as to hinder a proper joy and comfort 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 137 

in tlie lioly ordinance ; and so the spiritual 
necessities of the sick are provided for in the 
appointments of the service, by so clearing the 
vision that the Great Sacrifice may be contem- 
plated as extracting the sting of deaths which is 
sin, and, at the same time, the paternal hand of 
God may be recognized, preparing by His prov- 
idence the commnnicant's heart for a right par- 
ticipation and comfort. 

The invalid may esteem too lightly the chas- 
tening of the Lord, and hence reahze no peace 
from a sense of His paternal care, or she may 
relapse into a state of despondency, as if doomed, 
from the severity of her affiction — so as "to 
faint," as it were, "when rebuked of Him." 
Jnster views are then needed — something to 
soothe and strengthen ; and the solemn afl&rma- 
tion of Jesus Christ, setting forth a brief and cer- 
tain experience, enlightens the mind and glad- 
dens the heart, being just suited to the spiritual 
necessities of the case — "Verily, verily, I say 
unto you, he that heareth My words, and be- 
lieveth in Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, 
and shall not come into condemnation, but is 
passed from death unto life." From this she 

12^ 



138 THE pastor's wipe; oe, 

learns, to her comfort, the office and value of 
genuine faith, which is a voucher aUke of the 
professor's conversion, justification, redemption, 
and glorification. 

When the children had been disposed of, so 
that the house was quiet, the solemn services 
began. Mrs. S united in them intelligent- 
ly and audibly, evincing a mellow sensibility, 
and partaking of the memorials of her Saviour's 
love with tears. It was a hallowed moment, 
and we think she was happy and resigned to 
the will of her Heavenly Father. We cannot 
doubt for a moment that she had received the 
seal of forgiveness and acceptance. Whenever 
we use the latter part of the prayer for Christ's 
Church militant, we think of her : " And we 
also bless Thy holy Name for all Thy servants 
departed this life in Thy faith and fear ; be- 
seeching Thee to give us grace so to follow their 
good examples, that with them we may be par- 
takers of Thy heavenly kingdom." 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 139 




CHAPTEE XVII. 

>OPE is a blessed affection of the human 
bosom, but how strangely it blinds us in 
our estimate of the condition of the sick ! 
It is difficult to believe that one whom we love 
dearly will be removed from our midst ; for a 
faithful view of the case cannot be had, where 
our feelings are so deeply interested. By the 
slowest process possible, are we brought to 
realize the sad truth : and it is well it is so, as 
we are thereby being prepared for the affliction 
which awaits us. 

Strange as it may seem, until about this time 

we clung to the hope that Mrs. S would 

recover her health. Now, however, we could 
no longer close our eyes to the many evidences 
that she was fast declining, and that no human 
aid could arrest the sad consummation. Her 
digestive powers were becoming much disor- 
dered, so that she could -not take enough nour- 
ishment, and there was more internal pain, with 



140 THE pastor's wife; or, 

incr^easing weakness. The doctor — excellent 
man — evinced an interest which secured our 
confidence and affection, but the case was be- 
yond medical skill. It is wise to prepare our 
minds to submit to those misfortunes which we 
cannot avoid ; for they are, however mysterious 
to us, in accordance with the will of God, which 

is supreme. Mrs. S , too, was cultivating 

more and more a spirit of resignation, as she 
felt the tide of life fast ebbing away. 

There was the usual reluctance to approach 
the painful subject, but it was oftener than 
formerly incidentally introduced ; when the con- 
versation — although brief, and, as it were, un- 
finished — disclosed sufficiently her views and 
wishes. Many circumstances, too, showed plain- 
ly her thoughts, while some affecting incidents 
occurred. Every effort was made to sustain 
her mind as her body declined, and we are 
thankful for our degree of success. Her spir- 
itual necessities were supplied by daily dis- 
courses at the bedside, as she was able to bear 
them; and she would now and then express 
her sentiments in a few words. In these exer- 
cises, while we wished to instruct, if necessary, 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. Ill 

and above all, comfort her, we tried to avoid 
any personal application which might depress 
her spirits. We rejoiced always at her benign 
smile, when she seemed interested and pleased 
at things about her : so we endeavored to rid 
her chamber of the air of melancholy. But, 
alas! those days were very sad, although not 
without something occasionally which cast a 
ray of sunshine upon our sad hearts. "We 
may arrange the prominent incidents as in a 
Diary. 

Monday^ 2d. She suffered much from exhaus- 
tion, brought on, possibly, by too much exer- 
tion yesterday. In broken conversation, she 
advised that I should go to Marietta, now, since 
she was better, and prepare things. She in- 
dulged the hope that she might be well enough 
to be taken down with us, and had said to her 
sister, that she would be reconciled to die the 
day after, if she could only see how we would 
be fixed in our future home, — so constantly were 
her thoughts given to the welfare of her family. 
We rephed, that I was not expected so early, 
and it was unnecessary to be in haste, since the 
good peoj)le would excuse me ; and that I could 



142 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 

f 

not think of leaving her, until, if it pleased God, 
she was convalescent. She was satisfied. 

She distressed herself by thinking she " mere- 
ly gave trouble." We could not account for 
this, otherwise than by regarding it as a morbid 
propensity ; and yet it gave us pain. We learn 
it is sometimes a frailty with the sick, produced 
by extreme bodily weakness, combined with un- 
due humility of disposition. We even reasoned 
with her about it, saying, she could not but be 
sensible of our love and assiduity, and that we 
felt it unkind in her to encourage the thought 
that we would take anything as a trouble ; 
moreover, even if our affection did not govern 
us in the matter, she had rights which demand- 
ed attention. 

Then again, in her languor, she would occa- 
sionally utter a phrase, nearly akin to the last, 
and which fell on our ears most disagreeably, 
while we misinterpreted, for a long time, its 
meaning — "You will not miss me." Could it 
be possible that she thought for a moment that 
we would not lament her loss, when it pleased 
God to remove her ? No ; dear creature ! it 
was a mere outburst of humility. She meant, 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 143 

that all she had been able to do for her family 
would be still done when she was gone, by one 
who took a mother's interest in them. Her 
services, she thought, would not be missed, 
while she must have known her memory would 
be embalmed in our hearts as long as they 
pulsated with hfe. Trae, it was correct enough 
as to the person meant, if possible ; but even 
from this opinion we must beg leave to dissent, 
for no one can, in reahty, take fully the place 
of a parent. The child may love and obey 
another, but it cannot feel toward her as for 
the author of its existence. 

Tuesday, 3d. Eather better : sat up some 
time in bed, and, we think, used her knitting- 
needles a httle. The children were about, and 
she enjoyed their company. We handed her 
one of the books given the children, with a pen- 
cil, and asked her to write the name on the 
fly-leaf; but she declined taking it, seemed 
annoyed, and said : " By no means ; for I wish 
to write it with ink, so as to be permanent, 
when stronger." We said nothing more on the 
subject, and she never seemed able afterward 
to do so, to our regret. 



j^ 



144 THE pastor's wife; or, 

In the afternoon, when she was composed, 
and no one else was present, we took a chair 
by the side of the bed, and talked over calmly 
our affairs, that she might be in possession of 
all the information she could desire. Much 
of a private nature was communicated. It 
seemed to give her satisfaction, and she ex- 
pressed her views briefly on various subjects, 
saying : 

"We expected so much enjoyment together 
in Marietta, but now^ — " and her voice failed 
from emotion. The meaning was understood, 
and we took occasion to say : 

" O Eliza, gladly would I spend my whole life 
with you ! Have I not made you a good hus- 
band ?" to which she replied with readiness : 

" Tou have been exemplary in all the relations 
of life : I am sorry to leave you !" 

Some one came in, and here the conversation 
was brought to a close. 

With the advice of the doctor, tonics w^ere 
administered, and milk-punch was used as an 
occasional drink, to advantage. I induced her 
to permit me to sleep in the room at night on 
a sofa. 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 145 

• Wednesday, 4:tlu She seemed pretty comfort- 
able to-day, and received a friend in her room, 
with whom she conversed, sajdng she had aban- 
doned the hope now of getting to Marietta. 
Seated by her bedside, I talked slowly and 
calmly, trying to cheer her, for she was de- 
pressed. I spoke chiefly of spiritual things, 
referring to the comforting belief in the recog- 
nition of friends in the next world, where we 
might expect to meet many dear ones — her 
mother, mine, our little cherub Robert Duncan, 
and others ; that the nature of our departure 
was much Uke a journey to a better clime ; that 
all the family of Jesus were gradually gathered 
into His Father's kingdom, only some, for wise 
purposes, had to linger a httle longer than 
others on the earth. She assented, and said 
she " did not wish her sister Jane to be sepa- 
rated from the children," The assurance was 
given, although it was unnecessary, since, so 
strong was our attachment to her, that under 
no circumstances would we vohmtarily ever 
think of giving her up. 

Thursday, 5th. Not so well to-day, com- 
plahiing of the wearisomeness of lying in bed. 



146 THE pastor's wife; oe. 

Sister advised her to get up after dinner, and 
sit in her rocking-chair. She rephed " she was 
too weak." Toward mid-day she had a spell 
of exhaustion, which alarmed those in the room. 
She bid me to be called, and said : 

" You must tell me — am I dying, for I never 
felt so before ? If I am, let me know, for I have 
something to say." 

I soothed her by saying, that although she 
was quite sick, I did not believe she was in 
imminent danger. She was quieted, and soon 
recovered. The evacuations from her body 
were sometimes of such a nature and so co- 
pious, that we were in dread of a crisis when- 
ever they occurred. 

In the afternoon, feeling pretty well, it was 
decided to make the effort to get up. Being- 
aided, she was at length seated as usual in her 
rocking-chair. The change exhilarated her, 
and we were at hand to minister to her wants. 
Toward night, being cool, a fire was made in 
the hearth. But unfortunately she remained up 
too long, and became so fatigued, that when 
night came, she was indisposed to move, and it 
was with much difficulty she was taken to bed, 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. 8. 117 

almost fainting, and saying despairingly, "I 
shall never rise from this bed again." Her 
body had fallen away to a mere skeleton, but 
her face was not so much affected. Some 
strength was imparted by sponging her whole 
person with rum-water, and we were gladdened 
by hearing her tell how it refreshed her, and 
helped her sleep. 

Friday, 6th, Had much pain to-day : in the 
midst of one paroxysm she said, as I held her 
hand : " Oh, what shaU I do ? what shaU I do ?" 
looking to me for_ advice. How distressing it 
is to be unable to meet such an appeal ! but, 
doubtless, sympathy assuages pain to some ex- 
tent. All I could say was, " Oh, my dear Eliza, 
gladly would I suffer for you ;" to which she 
responded, " Tou would sink under it, for you 
have not as good a constitution as mine." In a 
few moments the pain was over. I also added, 
"It is, my dear, nothing in comparison with 
what your Saviour endured for you on the 
cross." 

To-day I held some brief conversation about 
her spiritual state. Among other things, I 
said : " My dear Eliza, we pray that you may 



148 THE pastor's wife; or, 

yet be spared to us, for in God's liands are the 
issues of life and death ; but should it please 
your Heavenly Father to call you out of this 
world, would you, my dear, be willing to go ?" 
She replied calmly : '' I hope so." 

Saturday, 1th, We had become now much 
alarmed at the symptoms, and feared a sudden 
dissolution. We did not wish her to have such 
apprehensions, and it is thought she did not, 
but supposed she would last some months 
longer, and have warning. Lest it should be 
so, we hoped she would communicate her wishes 
as to the future, and waited for it, but there was 
no doubt a mutual repugnance to approach so 
painful a matter. At length I took occasion to 
ask her, in as gentle and unexciting a manner 
as possible, " My dear, have you any requests 
to make?" when she answered, mournfully: "I 
am too sick to talk now ; wait until I am bet- 
ter." I then added, that she might feel at rest 
thereafter on such matters : " We think, my 
dear, that we know your wishes, and they shall 
faithfully be complied with." She was now 
disinclined to take nourishment, having an ac- 
tual repugnance to food. We prepared every 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 149 

• tiling we could think of to invite lier taste, and 
kind friends aided us in every way. 

Sunday, W\. A fine, mild day, and Mrs. S 

pretty comfortable ; took her tea and toast, and 
had the window-blind, towards the foot of her 
bed opened, that she might look out, as she 
lay on her pillow, at the trees and sky. The 
sashes, arranged at top and bottom, gave a 
pleasant ckculation of the southwest breeze 
through the room. 

When the fii^st bell rang she said, in surprise 
at my not having made the usual preparations, 
"Are you not going to church, Mr. S ?" 

" No, my dear ; I wish to stay with you this 
morning." 

" But, Mr. 8 , you must go — I am well 

enough — Jane is with me. Oh go, for think 
what a bad effect your example has on others." 

This was said in an imploring tone, and with 
a strength of voice that sui-prised me. She 
seemed aroused, dear creature, for my sake. I 
could not reveal my apprehensions, and for a 
moment was perplexed. To leave her was out 
of the question, for I had the presentiment that 
it would be her last Sabbath on earth, and so I 

13^ 



150 THE pastob's wife; or, 

had to plead gently to remove lier objections. 
" O Eliza, we can have the service at home : 
grant me, my dear, the privilege of officiating 
here to-day." She acquiesced. I sent a note, 
by the children when they went to Sabbath- 
school, to brother Hawks, stating my reasons 
for not being with him, and asking the prayets 
of the congregation. 

The house being quiet, nearly simultaneously 
with the worship in the church, we, literally two 
or three, held a private service, regular as far 
as practicable, with a brief lecture and conclu- 
ding prayer. It was a delightful occasion, very 
solemn and touching. Mrs. S united au- 
dibly in portions of the service, repeating the 
Confession and the Lord's Prayer with marked 
sincerity, in a low plaintive voice. She seemed 
to have peace and spiritual joy, and we, who 
loved her, were comforted in our grief. 

I think it was providential that we held this 
service, which was blessed to us all. It was 

what Mrs. S had longed for, saying to her 

sister, as I was told afterward, that she so 
much desired, once more, to join in the service 
of her beloved church. At the close, she said 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 151 

she was so glad and thankful ; and I, to impress 
lier the more, added : " Eemember, dear Eliza, 
I am a priest of God ;" to which she responded : 
^a know it." 



152 THE paotob's wife; OB, 




CHAPTEE XYIII. 

^E can best express onr thonglits and 
impart an idea of the sad closing 
scenes, by the continuation of onr 
Diary. 

Monday y 9th. Slept little last night, with la- 
borious breathing, which the doctor said was 
caused by the collapse of the diaphragm, where- 
by it became necessary for the muscles of the 
chest to be used for respiration, which gave 
fatigue. Said he hoped to be able to correct it. 
Received a letter from a relative, which I read, 
but found it difficult to gain her attention, as 
her mind seemed wandering, from pain and ex- 
haustion. "When I took up a book as usual, she 
said she was so unwell that she could not listen 
intelligently. Many friends called, but none 
could see her ; yet she inquired anxiously about 
some sick persons. Having occasion to do for 
her some menial office, when no one else was in 
the room, she wept at the thought, saying, " You 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 153 

are a minister;" "but, nevertheless, your hus- 
band, I continued, who, you will remember, my 
dear, promised, when we were married, that he 
would nurse you." *' O yes," she rephed, ten- 
derly, "but I have no opportunity to do the 
same for you." She called me to her in the 
afternoon and requested that I would lie down 
by her side that night ; which I did, watching 
her nearly until day. She slept pretty well, to 
my joy, and was refreshed in the morning. 
Once awaking, and looking at me, she said, 
" My husband," a term by which, I think, she 
never addressed me but once before. 

Tuesday, 10th. A good night's rest is a bless- 
ing to the invahd ; and it had mercifully been 
granted. The sympathetic doctor came at the 
usual hour : said there was much inflammation. 
She took her usual beverage, but her repug- 
nance to food was so gi^eat, that only by much 
persuasion could she be induced to take a 
few spoonfuls of arrowroot. We always held 
morning prayers at her bedside, but a few daj^s 
past had omitted the reading, as it seemed to 
fatigue her. Yet I would sit by her, and converse 
at appropriate moments when she seemed able 



154 THE pastor's wife; or, 

to bear it. As she expressed, in a feeble voice, 
anxiety about something, I took occasion to 
remark, that we ought not to distrust the good 
providence of God, so far shown towards us ; 
that she must not think so much about tem- 
poral things, but meditate on the love of her 
dear Saviour ; and that it would be only a little 
while, and I would be with her, ' During these 
remarks, some one may have been passing about 
the room. "We would do all we could to reUeve 
the sameness of things. Finding a little picture 
of The Crucifixion by Eubens, I held it up be- 
fore her eyes to look at, but she turned away, 
saying it distressed her. 

During the day the boys came in, in great 
glee, showing their new caps, made by Mrs. 
Cairns, to their mother. She took each one in 
her hand, seemed pleased, and said, " I hope 
you thanked good Mrs. Cairns." 

Our sympathies were now more and more 
excited by her painful breathing ; she was be- 
coming exhausted with the labor, and in a state 
of distress would cry out, in a tone which went 
to our heart : " Oh, I am so tired — I am so 
tired — I wish I could sleep." We consulted 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 155 

with tlie doctor, who did for her what he 
could. 

A brother, whom she loved dearly, with his 
family, was with us, and proposed to watch. 

We thought Mrs. S very sick, but did not 

anticipate any thing serious, and administered 
the prescribed opiate. We all then united in 
devotion around her bed, and as the Lord's 
Prayer was said, she distinctly and devoutly 
repeated it in a very low weak voice. The 
children, as was their custom, affectionately 
kissed her as they left the chamber. She urged 
her sister and myself to take our rest, as her 
brother and wife would be in her room ; but we 
lingered until about eleven, when, much worn 
with anxiety, I retired. After a disturbed nap 
of about an hour, I was called up on account of 
some alarming symptoms in Mrs. S 's con- 
dition. 

She was in a state of great suffering, unable 
to speak. We tried in vain to ascertain her 
wishes, moistening her lips with water, of which 
she swallowed a teaspoonful with diffiiculty. 
Her brother William was sent for; and as in 
appearance she w^as sinking rapidly, we Ut up 



156% THE pastor's wife; or, 

the gas fully, and read the service for the sick, 
with the Commendatory Prayer at the point of 
departure, which we knew she valued much, as 
she had often enjoined me not to forget to 
impart its final comfort at the right moment to 
the dying. Thank God! she had herself that 
consolation. 

Becoming at length more arolised, she, as if 
excited by intense agony, threw off the cover- 
ing, and turned herself to and fro in the bed, 
exclaiming : " Walter ! Walter !" which we mis- 
took for a long time for " water." But as she 
persistently refused it when offered, we at length 
understood the word, and ordered the children 
to be brought, which was done tardily, as it was 
difficult to awake them. At length, the little 
creatures, partially dressed, and half asleep, 
were introduced into the room, in a state of 
great wonderment. John first approached the 
side of the bed. She at once recognized him 
with a smile, and before he could get near 
enough to kiss her, she extended her left arm 
to reach his hand, which she squeezed. Next 
came William and Walter, whom she severally 
embraced, but could not speak. William wept 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 157 

aloud. And so at last she folded her dear boy 
of promise in her arms, and her heart beat next 
his, when it had pleased God to seal her lips ! 
It was a tender and distressing scene. 

While we all were around the bed, she was 
observed to be making a great effort to speak, 
and, by close attention, we made out her 
words : " Who has the baby ?" Jane answered : 
" Sis, the baby is with Augusta, up stairs ;" 
and her countenance bespoke the relief of her 
mind. This was a touching incident, showing 
that in the midst of her agony, she thought of 
the safety of her ijhild ! By-and-by Jenny was 
brought and placed beside her mother, who 
must have recognized her. We scarcely knew 
what length of time she suffered, rolling on the 
bed, while we held her hand, and did all we 
could to alleviate her distress. Alas! next to 
nothing could be done. There seemed to be 
a tenacity of life, which the disease was de- 
stroying by the gradual process of exhaustion ; 
and our sympathies were intensely exercised. 
At length she was seen to be looking for some 
one, as she turned to and fro, while I stood 
a little removed in the room. Hastening to the 



158 THE pastor's wife; or, 

foot of the bed, for every nearer place was 
occupied, my eye met tlie full gaze of lier coun- 
tenance, beaming with animation and affection 
upon me. "We were entranced, expecting her 
to speak, and every eye was suffused; but it 
was only for a few moments. It was her last 
look. She had thrown all the energy of her 
vitality into the effort, and her features were 
filled out with the compactness and glow of 
health. She looked as she used to do in her 
happiest days. She may have wished to say 
something, but could not, and thus bade me 
farewell! The reaction was as remarkable; 
she shrunk away wit£. exhaustion into perfect 
emaciation. 

Her sight, we think, was now failing, but as 
long as it remained, we had some evidences. 
As she turned her eyes, on one side she saw her 
sister — that dear, trusty sister whom she loved 
so well— bending with grief over her bed, and 
said, in words which came with hollow intona- 
tion, and as if the organs of speech were stiffen- 
ing in the utterance : " Oh ! Jane ; oh ! Jane," 
— her last words. 

It was now daybreak, and the violence of 



MEMOIllS OF E. M. S. 159 

the symptoms — and we trust their pam — had 
subsided, as she lay on her i ; ck, bj eathing 
laboriously. Doubtless, her only communica- 
tion now with the external world was through 
the sense of hearing, which was fast decaying. 
"We still stood around, as we had for many 
hours. Suddenly, her features were convulsed, 
and she uttered a loud deep groan ; when 
I cried out impulsively, " O Lord Jesus, receive 
her spirit !" In a moment the horril^le spasm 
was over, ard she breathed freely again. 

From this juncture there was a gradual de- 
cline ; and when the doctor came in, he called 
her twice loudly, but she was unconscious. 

Good Mrs. was sent for, and with her on 

the other side, the writer sat by the sinking 
form of his beloved, and wiped the cold dew 
from her brow, until the clock struck eleven, 
when her left hand which he had held, moved 
mechanically toward the pillow, and simulta- 
neously she ceased to breathe : " The silver 
cord was loosed — the golden bowl was broken," 
and her pure sjoirit ascended unto God who 
gave it. 



160 THE pastor's wife; or, 




CHAPTER XIX. 

^HE funeral took place on Thnrsday, 
a bright, serene day, iii the forenoon. 
A goodly number of friends and ac- 
quaintances had met at the house to express 
their sympathy for the family, and to have 
a view of the deceased, before they accom- 
panied the body to the church. The features 
had, as was to be expected, greatly changed, so 
that the original purpose of taking a photo- 
graph was abandoned. 

What passes on so sad an occasion needs 
scarcely to be told. "When the hour had come, 
the last tardy look and kiss were given; the 
baby was hoisted up over the side of the coflSn, 
that it might impress its warm little lips upon 
the icy cheek of its mother for the last time ; 
and Walter, WiUiam, and John successively 
gave the same final token of affection for their 
beloved parent. The children were moved, 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 161 

but tliey were too young to be expected to 
realize the loss they had sustained. 

The coffin was of mahogany, finely finished, 
and the pall-bearers Avere mostly gentlemen who 
once belonged to Appalachicola, and had known 
her well. Conveyed to the Episcopal church, it 
was met at the door by the Rector, with the 
sentence : " I am the resurrection and the hfe, 
saith the Lord : he that beheveth in Me, 
though he were dead, yet shall he live : and 
whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, shall 
never die." When placed upon trestles before 
the chancel,, the anthem was read, and the 
Epistle enunciated ; when the Eev. Wm. N. 
Hawks deUvered a brief discourse from the 
text : " Blessed are the dead who die in the 
Lord, for they rest from their labors, and their 
works do follow them." After describing Hfe 
as a toilsome and sorrowful pilgrimage, whose 
route is strewn with the fruits of sincerity, 
furnished by professors in their exemplary lives 
and good works, he referred to the reward 
which would meet them in their heavenly 
Father's kingdom, when they had passed accept- 
ably through this probation ; adding that among 



162 THE pastor's wife ; OR, 

this happy number, she whose mortal remains 
lay before them must be placed, and that, 
doubtless, her ransomed spirit was then enjoy- 
ing the results of a virtuous and pious life on 
earth. The 124th hymn was sung : 

" Hear what the voice from Heaven declares 
To those in Christ who die ;- 
Released from all their earthly cares, 
They'll reign with Him on high. 

" Then why lament departed friends, 
Or shake at Death's alarms ? 
Death's but the servant Jesus sends 
To call us to his arms. 

" If sin be pardon'd we're secure, 
Death hath no sting beside : 
The law gave sin its strength and power ; 
But Chiist, our ransom, died, 

" The graves of all His saints be bless'd, 
When in the grave He lay ; 
And, rising thence, their hopes He raised 
To everlasting day. 

" Then, joyfully, while life we have, 
To Christ, our life we'll sing, 
* Where is thy victory, O grave ? 
And where, O death, thy sting ?' " 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 103 

The procession tlien formed, and proceeded 
to the cemetery, where the corpse was com- 
mitted to the groimd, with the closing solemn 
rites. The three boys, their father, aunt, two 
uncles, and many sorrowful fiiends stood at 
the grave, as "dust to dust and ashes to 
ashes" was pronounced. The servants were 
also there, with little Jenny in their charge. 
The coffin was placed in a vault of brickwork, 
beneath the surface, just by the tomb of her 
brother John, in the family burial-lot. Over 
the sacred spot there is a white marble slab, 
with this inscription : 




THE PASTOR S WIFE, 

ELIZA M. SAUNDERS, 

FELL ASLEEP IN JESUS. 
Nov. 11, 1863. 



164 THE pastor's wife; oe, 




CHAPTER XX. 

^E have now reached the end of these 
plain memoirs, intended for those dear 
children who, by this sad event, were 
made orphans. They would not be complete 

without describing the person of Mrs. S , 

and noting more particularly than has been 
done her peculiarities of character. 

Mrs. S- was of medium stature, about five 

feet three or four inches in height, with full 
chest, of very fair complexion, but inclined to 
freckle, hazel eyes, Grecian nose, chestnut brown 
hair, rather large hands, and small feet. The 
frontispiece represents her before marriage. 
Her movements were very quick but graceful, 
and nature had bestowed upon her a fair share of 
comeliness. In repose, she did not show to the 
same advantage as when animated ; and to do 
her justice, it was necessary to see her when 
her features were lit up, and her rather large 
eyes were beaming with feeling and intelligence. 



MEMOIBS OF E. M. S. 1G5 

A phrenological chart of her was once taken, 
which proved truthful in many of its traits. In 
her temperament the nervous element predom- 
inated, and she possessed such uncommon viva- 
city of disposition (derived, perhaps, from her 
Scotch origin), that it was necessary to restrain 
it. Her social qualities, combined with good 
colloquial powers, secured her general popu- 
larity, while her expansive charity and freedom 
from evil speaking gained her the love and 
confidence of all who were willing to trust their 
reputation in her hands. 

Her mind was rather superior. She evinced 
decided intellectual abihty when she chose to 
make an effort, but such was the modesty of her 
nature, that much of her talent lay hid. We 
have listened with surprise and admiration to 
her criticisms, when she chose to comment on 
a sermon. There was depth and justness in 
her strictiu^es, both as to style and matter. 
Gifted with a retentive memory, she could not 
only give the main and subordinate divisions, 
but often repeat whole sentences verbatim. Of 
her epistolary ability, there could be no doubt ; 
she possessed the approved style of correspond- 



166 THE pastor's wife; or, 

ence, being instructive, interesting, graceful, 
and, at times, elegant. 

But her excellence lay rather in the quahties 
of her heart. Lest time should, alas! efface 
the brief experience of her children, bereaved 
at so tender an age, we would record it for 
their benefit, that they sprang . from a mother 
who was distinguished for her virtues and piety ; 
and they may indulge in an allowable pride on 
that account : she has left them, in her survi- 
ving reputation, a valuable inheritance. 

"Where there was so much to commend, we 
cannot deal in particulars. Suffice it to say, as 
a wife, mother, sister, friend, and neighbor, she 
was a model ; and to term her the Pastor's com- 
panion is nothing more than her due, since she 
was eminently fitted for its responsibilities, and 
did most faithfully fulfil them. And all these 
fine traits of character were combined with a 
remarkable humility, for she under-estimated 
herself in every respect. Indeed, this may be 
regarded as a frailty, since her too little self- 
esteem must, to some extent, have impeded her 
usefulness. Nor can we here omit to notice 
that other Idndred virtue for which she was 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 167 

cUstinguished, lier rare disinterestedness of dis- 
position, wliicli was equally conspicuous with 
her modesty and humility. She was one of the 
most unselfish of mortals, disposed to forego at 
any time her own interest or pleasure to serve 
another, apparently forgetting seK in the grati- 
fication which the sacrifice afforded. Her ac- 
cessibility, popular manners, and private chari- 
ties had secured her a general attachment where 
known, and had she moved in a wider circle, 
she would have acquired a reputation for phi- 
lanthropy. As it was, she died lamented by 
unseen numbers, especially in the lower orders 
of society. The poor and humble found in her a 
friend who disdained not to listen to their wants 
and pecuhar grievances, which she was ever 
ready to alleviate by her counsel, aid, or sympa- 
thy. Since her death, many touching evidences 
of this have come to the author's notice, impart- 
ing a peculiar comfort. To have the assurance 
that a dear one was beloved by others also, is 
a sweet consolation in our grief. 

After the funeral, several laboring persons 
came in testifying with tears to her worth ; and 
in travelling, a young man made himself known 



168 THE pastob's wife; oe, 

for the purpose of acknowledging, with grati- 
tude, that " good Mrs. S — — had taught him 
arithmetic." These are isolated instances of 
what has every now and then come to our 
knowledge. 

One may be extensively respected and ad- 
mired, but to he beloved falls to , the share, com- 
paratively, of few ; since it is a spontaneous 
tribute of the heart paid, not to talent or posi- 
tion, but genuine merit. 

And so Mrs. S was generally lamented : 

when it pleased God to remove her from this 
world of cares and infirmities, a vacancy was 
made which was felt by every one who en- 
joyed her acquaintance, and most keenly by 
her surviving family. 

"We began, the morning after her death, to 
conform our social worship to the sad event, by 
praying unto God for " patience, especially un- 
der the great affliction of losing the mother 
of these children, and to grant, that when we 
are taken hence, our spirits and hers may be 
reunited in eternity ;" and in their private de- 
votions each evening, the children (Jenny ex- 
cepted) were taught, in repeating their obliga- 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 1G9 

tions, to use the phrase, " as dear mother told 
me." She can never be forgotten. 

Mrs. S died of an uncertain disease, and 

apparently a painful death. We should like to 
be assured of the kind of disease, but the phy- 
sicians differed in opinion, and we are left in 
doubt : all we know is, that it was an affection 
of the bladder. It has pleased God to take her 
away — a mysterious providence, — and we mourn 
for her, not in sombre garments, of which she 
disapproved, but, " as those not without hope," 
looking to a reunion in the land of spirits. 

After a useful life, she has passed through 
the " cold flood" in advance of many who ex- 
pected to precede her. But it is not a solitude 
on the other shore. A remarkable fatality has 
attended her friends and associates, for many 
of her juniors, as well as seniors, have since 
bathed in the same icy stream ; and we hum- 
bly believe that the love and congeniality which 
prevailed here, will not be interrupted in the 
land of promise. What a blessed doctrine is 
the recognition of friends in the next world ! 

Not to mention her own dear relatives who 
preceded her, — a mother, brother, and child, — 



170 THE pastok's wife; ok, 

a host of friends now hold sweet intercourse, 
we fondly trust, in the blessed abodes of the 
righteous. There are those amiable young 
creatures— whom she trained in the principles 
of the Christian religion, her spiritual chil- 
dren — the Miss Davises, who survived her only 
a few weeks ; there is her fellow-sufferer, Mrs. 
Spencer, who followed quite soon through the 
dark valley ; there are those youthful matrons, 
Hall and Boydkin, each taken mysteriously 
away from her tender charge ; there is the 
sainted Mrs. Cairns, her adopted model, with 
whom she has often sat by the bedside of . the 
sick and visited the hovels of wretchedness; 
there is the accomplished Mrs. Echols, her ex- 
cellent companion, whose society was a balm 
for every woe ; there is the good, talented, yet 
sorrowful Mrs. McClaren, her early, sympathet- 
ic friend ; there is her own venerated relative, 
Mrs. Kennedy, fallen as a shock of corn fully 
ripe into the garner : and oh, the blow that rent 
the heart of him w^ho ministered so assiduously 
to her physical ills ! Truty, the arrows, of death 
have flown thickly around, and sought many an 
excellent mark. Those are scarcely a moiety of 



MEMOIES OF E. M. S. 171 

her friends who have since passed away. 'Tis 
too painful to fill out the number, and yet a few 
names more demand oiu' notice. Alas! who 
else have gone down to the dark chambers? 
"Wliat solemn dirge is heard throughout the 
Church ? Incredible ! — the man of God who 
consigned her remains to the tomb ! — ah, my 
brother has finished his labors ; nay, the pall of 
a universal mourning envelops Zion for her 
Eutledge, her Elliott, and her Scott, names 
destined for immortality. O glorious thought ! — 
some consolation for our grief — all these her 
spirit has been privileged to greet on the other 
side of Jordan — to welcome to the land of rest 
and eternal felicity ! 

" There is a land of pure delight, 
Where. saints immortal reign; 
Eternal day excludes the night, 
And pleasures banish pain. 

" There, everlasting spring abides, 
And never-fading flowers : 
Death, like a narrow sea, divides 
This heavenly land from ours. 

" Bright fields, beyond the swelling flood, * 
Stand dress'd in living green : 



172 THE pastoe's wife; oe, 

So to the Jews fair Canaan stood, 
While Jordan roU'd between. 

" But timorous mortals start, and shrink 
To cross the narrow sea ; 
And linger, trembling on the brink, 
And fear to launch away. 

" Oh, could we make our doubts remove, 
Those gloomy doubts that rise. 
And see the Canaan that we love. 
With faith's illumined eyes ; 

" Could we but climb where Moses stood, 
And view the landscape o'er. 
Not Jordan's stream, nor death's cold flood, 
Should fright us from the shore." 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 173 




im 



CHAPTEE XXI. 

FEW words to you, my dear children, will 
form an appropriate close to this little 
volume, which has been written for your 
sakes. It contains memoirs of your sainted 
mother; which means, accounts written in an 
easy, familiar style, without any strict regard to 
method. 

I have collected what I could of her ancestry, 
parentage, early and married life, with such 
incidents especially as are calculated to impress 
your minds, so as to keep up the remembrance 
of her. You were old enough (Jenny excepted), 
at her death, to preserve her words, actions, 
and personal appearance, by a little culture. 
Walter was then five years and ten months old. 

She was a good and affectionate mother, who 
did everything for you while her hf e was spared ; 
and when called away, by the will of God, left 
you her blessing, with the tender request that 
you would never forget her. Doubtless, your 



174 THE pastor's wife; or, 

filial attacliment would not let you do this; 
but time effaces tlie impressions of cliildliood, 
and hence this book is written, as an aid for 
the memory. That you loye her now^ I doubt 
not ; but I wish you to think of her so much, 
and so often, that the affection will never die 
out in your hearts, but be, lil^e a vestal flame, 
ever burning, until it is the will of God that 
you shall be reunited to her in heaven. 

Think, dear children, of her who was the au- 
thor of your existence, who nursed you in her 
arms, and who taught you the Catechism, con- 
taining the Commandments of God, one of which 
is, " Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy 
days may be long in the land which the Lord 
thy God giveth thee." 

Her death was an irreparable loss; but it 
was the will of our heavenly Father that she 
should be taken away, and we must submit 
with resignation. Her spirit has gone, where 
yours also will go, if you wisely regard the pre- 
cepts she taught you, and follow her example. 
Then, you should adopt her as a model, and 
call to mind everything she ever taught you, 
and obey it. Thus you will be doing as Solo- 



MEMOIRS OF E. M. S. 175 

mon aclyised : " My son, hear the instruction of 
thy father, and forsake not the lata of thy mother ; 
for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy 
head, and chains about thy neck." Her spirit 
may be able to look down upon you, and behold 
your conduct here below. Think of that ! So 
try to merit her approbation while you live on 
the earth, that you may be reunited to her, 
when it pleases God to take you also away. 
Some of the precepts she taught you must be 
fresh now in your memory : in a word, she 
wished you to gTOw up, performing faithfully 
your duty to God and man. Often would she 
tell you to " do no wicked action, to speak no 
naughty words, and to love and be kind to each 
other." 

All men who have prospered in the world 
have followed, as they grew up, their mother's 
advice. Think of "Washington. He was a model 
of fihal affection ; and how truly great and happy 
he became ! God blessed him for it. 

Then, dear children, in everything you do 
and say, reflect beforehand, whether it Avould 
have the approbation of your mother, if alive ; 
and let your conduct correspond with what you 



176 THE PASTOB^S WIFE, Era 

conclnde wonld be lier wishes. So will yon 
show your respect for her memory, ha¥e an 
approving conscience, and merit and receive 
the benediction of yonr heavenly Father. She 
will then have her dying wish — to he remembered. 
And may God bless you, my dear children^ so 
that, after leading pious, useful, and honorable 
lives on earth, you may obtain the inheritance 
of eternal glory, and be reunited to your 
sainted mother in heaven ! 



APPEITDIX. 



APPElN^DIX. 



[A] 
" MY DARLIN' JEAN !" 

From "The Flowers op Melody." 
Words by W. Morton.— Music by A. Taylor. 



^ET kindly breezes softly blaw, 

And buddin' flow'rs in verdure spring, 
And purlin' streamlets dimplin' fa', 

And tunefu' warblers SAveetly sing ; 
Gi'e me the lasting joys of life 

That bud at morn, and bloom at e'en ; 
Joys far removed frae care and strife — 

My children dear, my darlin' Jean. 

Wi' these I taste the sweets o' spring. 
The glowin' charms o' summer bright, 

The flowin' joys that autumn brings, . 
The dreary winter's social night. 



180 APPENDIX« 

^Mang rantlin' weeds in life's wild path, 
Oh ! spare these twigs of evergreen ! 

That I may bless, wi' latest breath, 
My children dear, my darlin' Jean ! 



APPENDIX. 181 



[B] 
TO THE "VIOLET HOME," 

THE RESIDENCE OF THE MISS MORTONS, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA. 
BY CAROLINE LEE HENTZ. 

^WEET Violet Home, the fragrant air 
That round thee breathes, proclaims 
The flowers that orwn thy guardian care, 
And the white cottage names. 

Rich is the violet's breath of balm, 

And fair its purple bloom ; 
But there's another, dearer charm, 

In this sweet "Violet Home." 

I love thy graceful winding chain 
Of mingling flowers and shells, 

But more I love the gentle twain 
That in thy bosom dwells. 

Dear sisters ! in your hearts there lives 
A sweeter, fairer bloom, 
16 



182 APPENDIX. 

Than decks the violet's velvet leaves, 
Or gives its deep perfume. 

What though the willow's* bough no more 

Weeps o'er the violet's bed, 
May this loved blossom ne'er deplore 

Its lowly honors shed. 

Ne'er may the blighting wind and storm 

The Violet Home impair. 
But may the richest sunbeams warm. 

And beam in blessings there. 



* A beautiful weeping-willow waved in front of the cottage, but was 
destroyed by a gale of wind. 



APPENDIX. 183 



[C] 



THE BRIDAL ANNIVERSARY, 

FEBRUARY I 7, 1 85 5. 

! T length the circle of the sun 

Has brought around the bridal hour, 
When two glad hearts were fused in one, 
Subdued by love's controlling power. 
In sober joy 
The time employ, 
And let no care intrude ; 
'Tis festal day, 
Let each one say — 
Put on a cheerful mood. 

Just twelve months past, in sacred fane, 

By stoled priest in surplice fair. 
The mystic words united twain, 
With benediction after prayer. 
In sober joy 
The time employ, &c. 

'Twas on a Friday's early morn. 
With plighted troth and holy vow, 



184 APPENDIX. 

Aloof from superstition borne, 
Before the Lord in faith they bow. 
In sober joy 
The time employ, &c. 

Around them stood a friendly band, 
As one, whose spirit's now above, 
Did give away the virgin's hand. 
And seal the compact with his love. 
In sober joy 
The time employ, &c. 

Hail, blessed epoch ! welcome ever ! 
Oft may you gladden every heart, 
Ere God the sacred tie shall sever. 
And bid us for a while to part. 
In sober joy 
The time employ, &c. 

As life's eventful tide doth flow, 

A ray of sunshine thou shalt bring. 
To cheer the sorrows here below, 

And clothe its field with verdant spring. 
In sober joy 
The time employ, &c. 



APPENDIX. 185 

Around the social hearth we meet, 

A " wee" one swells our stream of bliss — 
The wife, the child, the sister greet, 
With annual, grateful, holy kiss. 
In sober joy 
The time employ. 
And let no care intrude ; 
'Tis festal day. 
Let each one say — 
Put on a cheerful mood, 
16* 



186 APPENDIX. 



[D] 
A SONG ON LITTLE JOHNNY. 

BLESSING I craved from the Giver of good, 
And vowed I'd repay it the best way I could ; 
For wealth or distinction I breathed not my 

prayer, 
But simply the mercy of having an heir. 

The darling boy 

Brings endless joy ; 

Kind Heaven's gift 

Aloft I'll lift; 

Little Johnny is so bonny — 

Little Johnny is so bonny — 

Fol de rol dol, fol de rol da. 

Kind Providence smiled on my humble petition. 
Bestowing the boon which I fastened my wish on ; 
My gratitude forth to the Lord I did pour, 
And vowed I would train him as Samuel of yore. 

The darling'boy 

Brings endless joy, &c. 



APPENDIX. 187 

. I do not indulge the extravagant hope 
That he will be President, General, or Pope ; 
But this I declare is my earnest desire, 
To be a good Christian he'll early aspire. 

The darling boy 

Brings endless joy, &c. 

With lessons of wisdom Til store well his mind, 
With love to his God and his fellows inclined ; 
Nor teach him to care to be wealthy or great, 
But virtue to follow, and vice aye to hate. 

The darling boy 

Brings endless joy, &c. 

Thus may he be noble, thus may he be strong. 
Thus unto the rich and the glorious belong ! 
To seek to do good may his single aim be, 
Aloof from ambition, from odious pride free. 

The darling boy 

Brings endless joy, &c. 

This casket within with a jewel is graced, 
A soul there immortal its Maker has placed ; 
Then let my endeavors be faithfully given. 
This infant to train for its future home. Heaven. 



188 APPENDIX. 



The darling boy 
Brings endless joy ; 
Kind Heaven's gift 
Aloft ril lift; 

Little Johnny is so bonny- 
Little Johnny is so bonny — 
Fol de rol dol, fol de rol da. 



APPENDIX. 189 

[E] 
LAWRENCE SAUNDERS. 

LAWRENCE SAUNDERS, the martyr, suffer- 
ed at Coventry, February 8th, 1555, during 
the reign of Queen Mary. His name appears 
in the various ecclesiastical histories, but the 
fullest account of him, to our knowledge, is to be 
found in " The Acts and Monuments, of the Church," 
by John Foxe, a contemporary. Of "honorable 
parentage," he was brought up in the school at 
Eton, from whence he was transferred to King's 
College, Cambridge, where he remained for three 
years. 

When Rector of All-hallows, Broad-street, Lon- 
don, he preached his famous sermon on 2 Cor. xi. 2, 
3, which caused his imprisonment for a whole year 
and three months ; at the expiration of which, after 
a mock trial, he was condemned to be burned at 
the stake. 

Foxe says : " On the 4th of February, the Bishop 
of London (Bonner) came to the prison where he 
was, to degrade him : which, when he had done, 



190 APPENDIX. 

Saunders said . to him, ' I thank God I am not of 
your Church.' On the following morning, the 
sheriff of London delivered him to the Queen's 
guard, who were appointed to carry him to the city 
of Coventry to be burned. 

" After they came to Coventry, a poor shoema- 
ker came to him, and said, 'O my good master, 
God strengthen and comfort you!' ' Good shoe- 
maker,' cried master Saunders, ' pray for me , for 
I am the unmeetest man for this high office that 
ever was appointed to it; but my gracious God 
and dear Father is able to make me strong enough.' 
That same night he was put into the common jail 
among the prisoners, where he slept little, but spent 
the night in prayer, and instructing others. Gn 
the next day, which was the 8th of February, he 
was led to the place of execution in the Park with- 
out the city. He went in an old gown and shirt, 
and barefooted, and he often fell flat on the ground, 
and prayed. When he was come nigh to the place, 
the officer who was appointed to see the execution 
done, said that he was one of those who marred 
the Queen's realm with false doctrine and heresy, 
' wherefore thou hast deserved death,' said he, ' but 
yet, if thou wilt revoke thine heresies, the Queen 
hnth ])ar(l()ned thee; if not, yonder fire is prepared 



APPENDIX. 191 

for thee.' To whom Saunders answered : ' It is not 
I nor my fellow-preachers of God's truth, that have 
Iiurt the Queen's realm, but such as you are : it is 
yourself and such as you are, who have always re- 
sisted God's holy word ; it is you who have and do 
mar the Queen's realm. I do hold no heresies, but 
the doctrine of God, the blessed Gospel of Christ ; 
that I hold, that I believe, that I have taught, and 
that I will never revoke.' With that, this tor- 
mentor cried, 'Away with him !' And away from 
him went master Saunders with courage towards 
the fire. He fell to the ground, and prayed ; and 
when he rose up again, he took the stake to which 
he was to be chained, in his arms, and kissed it, 
saying, 'Welcome the cross of Christ, welcome- 
everlasting life ;' and being fastened to the stake, 
and the fire put to him, he sweetly slept in the 
Lord." The account goes on to state that they 
burned him with "green wood" to increase his 
torment, "but that the grace and most plentiful 
consolation of Christ, who never forsakes his ser- 
vants, gave patience above all that his tormentors 
could work." 



192 APPENDIX. 




[F] 
WHY AM I SICK? 

" Then shall the king say, Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did 
it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me." 

St. Matt. xxv. 40. 

^HY am I sick ? Why does this weary feeling 
Of restless languor on my spirit lie ? 
Or, in a keener sense of pain revealing, 
Why this quick throb of sudden agony ? 
Oh ! for some change the dull succession breaking,— 

The day monotonous — th' unwelcome night ; — 
Each morning to the same routine awaking, 
Each eve, to woo of sickness slumbers light. 

The youth of others is a varied season ; 

A time when passing days bring pleasures new ; 
Or, if not actual joy, at least from changes 

They may receive amusement bright and true : 
But I may not ; the view is sad and weary, 

And tedious in its sameness, whether I 



APPENDIX. 193 

Look back or forward ; and my heart is weary, 
Unsoothed — uncheered, in hopeless apathy. 

No — not unsoothed, while "the beloved physician," 

With patience in his heart, love in his smile, 
Comes frequent to fulfil his healing mission. 

And Tvdth great kindness half my cares beguile. 
No — not uncheered, while voices true are telling 

Of humble trust, and waiting hope in God ; 
On promises divine so earnest divelling. 

That light illumines e'en my darkened road. 

Oh ! not uncared for while dear hearts are beating 

With interest kind ; accepting all from me 
That I can give ; — my poor affection meeting 

With sweet returns of gentle sympathy. 
Perchance I'm sick, because my God is hearing 

My prayer that their eternal recompense 
May be increased a hundred-fold in glory. 

When they have passed in peace and safety henca 

I may be suffering, that their kind attendance 
Upon the lowest of the flock may be 

Repaid by Him, who in the least disciple 
Lives, suffers, weeps, and mourneth bitterly. 

U ■ • 



194 APPENDIX. 

When Christ the Judge shall come in clouds of 
glory, 

With His true followers placed at His right hand, 
To hear the final sentence of their Master, 

There shall I see my friends beloved stand ! 

Then will I joyous hear that gla4 announcing, 

Addressed to them — " Ye Messed children, come, 
Receive the Kingdom long ago made ready 

For you : inherit now your Father's home ! 
For I was hungry — thirsty — and ye gave Me 

The food and drink Z asked for: Zwas sad 
And sorrowful, and ye imparted gladly 

The richest consolation that ye had. 

" Yea, and I suffered sickness : Me ye tended 

With patient toil untiringly endured ; 
My bitter pain removed : — My sore, keen anguish. 

By your kind care and skilful touch was cured. 
Perchance ye saw Me not, when ye were summoned 

To soothe a sufferer, or disease to heal, 
But I was there ; for when the meanest member 

Is pained, the living Head must ever feel." 

"Yes, Zwas lying on that bed of sickness, 
When my disciple's sorrow ye relieved ; 



APPENDIX, 195 

Ye came to Me ; and jT will now repay you 
The rich reward ye earned, but ne'er received. 

In time, I suffered in My people's trials, 
Ye came to Me in all their trpubles sore, — 

Now, for the toil, a glorious crown awaits you, 
Eternal Joy and Peace for evermore !" 



196 APPENDIX. 

[G] 
ON FRIENDSHIP. 

BY MRS. J. MORTON, OF PHILA. 

RURAL life is my delight, 
Diffusing joys from mom to night, 

With social friends sincere : 
Hail, friendship ! sweet'ner of our life, 
That cheers us through this world of strife, 

And leaves impressions dear ! 

But, oh ! how rare to meet the friend 
On whom we may with truth depend 

In ev'ry changing scene ; 
And who will strive unto the end. 
His love and kindness to extend 

Through crosses unforeseen ! 



APPENDIX. 197 

[H] 
TO ELIZA M. 

BY C. L. HENTZ. 

fHE traces made on sandy shore 
By roving zephyr fanned, 
Will vanish, and betray no more 
^ The passing stranger's hand. 

But those engraven on the rock. 

Indelibly remain ; 
To efface them, vain the tempest's shock — 

The dashing billows, vain. 

Let friendship on a granite shrine 
Engrave my name : the task be thine, 
17* 



,198 APPENDIX. 



[I] 
TO ELIZA M. 

IMPROMPTU LINES TRACED ON A MAGNOLIA LEAP. 

BY MRS. HENTZ. 

ONNY, guileless, smiling maiden, 
With life's fairest blossoms laden, 
I scarce can dream of thee possessing 
One added charm, or choicer blessing. 



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